School turns to wind power

It is hoped electricity bills will be reduced

A secondary school is trying out an alternative, cheaper electricity source by using its own wind turbine.

It is hoped it will generate 15 to 20% of the electrical needs at Nidderdale High School and Community College in Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire.

Partly funded by a £50,000 lottery grant, the turbine will be used as a model for renewable fuels for factories and farms.

John Fort, a county councillor and chairman of governors at the school, explained the environmental benefits of the scheme.

He said: "As well as generating some of the school's electricity needs, the turbine will be used to show how green, clean electricity can be produced to meet the needs of schools, factories, farms, and similar buildings.

"Producing electricity by wind power helps reduce the need for electricity produced from burning fossil fuels."