SCHOOLS across Dorset gave a ‘thumbs up’ to the environment with two weeks of energy saving.

Pupils at 45 schools in the county took part in the Switch Off Fortnight by reducing their electricity consumption and learning about power usage.

Tessa Ferguson, eco schools coordinator at Winterbourne Valley First School, said: “This is the first year the school has taken part in Switch Off Fortnight and the children have taken to it with great enthusiasm. “They have been so keen that some of them took a copy of the audit home and are checking their energy use at home with their parents.”

Joshua, a year three pupil, said: “We need to save electricity to stop Father Christmas’ house melting and the North Pole and stop all the ice melting which causes other countries to flood.”

Callum, from year four, wants to ‘help stop polluting the polar caps which can kill animals and save money so we can use it for more school trips’.

While Evie, in year three, mentioned saving electricity now as ‘one day we might not be able to make enough’.

As part of the scheme all the schools have introduced light monitors, who check every day for lights or appliances that have been left on.

Mrs Horne, headteacher, said: “Our Eco-Schools programme is proving very successful – not only are the children fully engaged with the need to become more environmentally aware, it also brings financial benefits.

“Last year we ran a similar project monitoring water consumption and saved £250 over the year – a significant saving for us.”

As part of the campaign, children learnt how to read electricity meters and track electricity usage.

St Mary’s Catholic First School, Dorchester, is another one of the schools taking part in the project and is also working towards becoming a Green Flag school.

Paula Mc Donnell, deputy head, said: “We have an Eco Club which discusses ideas and gives feedback on how we become eco-friendly.

“We also have compost bins, a bug hotel in our school grounds and toilet hippos who ensure we do not over-use water.”

The project was run by EDF Energy and was promoted as part of Dorset County Council’s carbon reduction scheme.

Stacie Forrester, schools energy officer at the council, said: “Pupils are very concerned about the impact that we all have on our environment.

“Taking part in the scheme allows them to build on their efforts to live more sustainably, now and in the future.”