Energy-saving light bulb giveaway

Light bulbs can be traded in this weekend

Thousands of energy-efficient light bulbs are being given away in London to help combat climate change.

As part of the light bulb amnesty, people can trade traditional bulbs for environmentally-friendly alternatives.

According to the mayor's office, more than 500,000 tonnes of carbon emissions would be saved every year if each London home used energy-saving bulbs.

B&Q stores across the city will be giving away 220,000 Philips 11 watt bulbs between 11-13 January.

Launching the scheme mayor Ken Livingstone said: "For those people who have made a New Year's resolution to go greener, taking part in London's first light bulb amnesty is an ideal way to start.

"This scheme gives Londoners the chance to cut harmful emissions and save money at the same time, by swapping their old, energy guzzling light bulbs for free, energy efficient bulbs."

The initiative forms part of the London Climate Change Action Plan to reduce carbon emissions in the capital by 60% by 2025.