A BARNOLDSWICK academy could save hundreds of thousands of pounds by installing solar panels on the roof.

West Craven High School has submitted a planning application for the installation of 364 solar panels.

The application to Pendle Council has been submitted by Green Energy International which recently installed 360 panels at Bowland High School in Grindleton - thought to be the largest solar array on a school in Lancashire.

Although the academy has not yet revealed how much it expects to save, it is thought it could be around £400,000 over the next 30 years.

The 360 panels at Bowland High School are to save more than £20,000 over the next seven years and £17,000 every year after with West Craven seeing similar benefits.

Bosses at the school, which became an academy under the Pendle Education Trust in September 2016, said they are looking at ways to make the academy sustainable.

They said the panels will also be used to help students understand renewable energy.

Adam Whalley, facilities manager at the school, which has around 500 pupils on its roll, said: "We are always looking at sustainability options for our academies and have decided to explore solar panels as one such option.

"We hope to be able to make progress with this project in the near future.

"The solar panels will also be used to raise awareness with students about sustainable energy."

Bosses at Green Energy International said solar arrays are 'fantastic' for educational establishments.

Speaking after they installed the panels on Bowland in August, chief executive officer Arthur Bell, said: "The sustainability message is integral.

"We must all be part of ensuring future generations can meet their own needs and disseminating this via schools and academies is fantastic."

The 100kW solar system will be installed on the flat and pitched roofs of the school.

Comments on the application are welcome until October 13.