Pupils from Sparkhill, Sparkbrook and Small Heath came together to help celebrate the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels at Ackers Adventure with an interactive energy-themed play.

The new solar panels will help the not-for-profit activity centre reduce its carbon footprint and lower its energy bills. The panels were installed by CORE50, a local energy co-operative, using a £20,000 donation from energy company E.ON's Sustainable Energy Fund. The fund was established to support projects that create renewable energy, reduce energy use or increase awareness of energy efficiency.

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Pupils from Arden and Montgomery primary schools, and Birmingham Muslim School, took part in a performance of E.ON's 'Town of Total Darkness', an engaging, educational resource that helps teach schoolchildren about how to save energy and reduce their carbon footprint, inspired by famous Victorian detective Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr Watts-On.

Kelvin Staple at Ackers said: "The centre is well used and popular within the local community and starting to use these solar panels will make such a difference to the centre's annual outgoings. This is a real milestone.

"And the educational information provided through E.ON's 'Town of Total Darkness' will hopefully help residents to reduce their own bills, creating a more sustainable future across the local area."

(CD/GK)