An electrical contractor in Darwen has provided a primary school with a free service to help with the cost of rising energy bills.

As part of their corporate social responsibility goals, Elektec, part of Greenarc, has gifted St Francis C of E Primary School in Blackburn with free LED lighting and installation.

Schools across the county have seen their energy bills increase by up to 300 per cent amid the cost of living crisis so Charlotte Knowles, director of Elektec is eager to support local schools cope with the financial pressure.

Mrs Barton, school business manager at St Francis C of E Primary School, said: "We would like to say a huge thank you to Elektec for providing the LED lighting here at St. Francis, it has meant that we now have energy efficient lighting throughout school.

“As a school we have been working hard for the past few years to make changes that will enable us to become more energy efficient and reduce our carbon footprint.

“We have recently had solar panels installed along with an eco-friendly heating system, meaning that we are now totally gas free.

“As a school we are committed to conservation and playing our part in reducing the impact on the environment.

“We have a dedicated eco group who are currently working hard to make a difference, not just in school but in our local community. We are hoping to achieve our Eco-Schools Green Flag Status this summer."

Charlotte Knowles, director of Elektec, said “We recognise that all schools are experiencing the enormous burden of increased energy bills. 

“St Francis Primary School is a wonderful local primary school with excellent teachers, a nurturing, caring culture and is set in amazing grounds. 

“Our hope is that by providing these free services for St Francis, we can assist them in saving vital funds, which they can then use to spend directly on educating their pupils.”