Hexham Community Centre is adopting sustainable energy with a £40,000 solar panel installation.

The initiative, funded by grants including those provided by Northern Powergrid, the National Lottery and local Councillors, will feature at their Gilesgate-based headquarters.

Steve Ball, Chair of Hexham Community Centre trustees, said: "This is great news and the scheme is being quickly implemented.

"We are hoping the centre acts as a catalyst for other community assets to follow our example."

Installation is being carried out by HE Servicing Limited, a local enterprise specialising in solar PV and battery storage.

Their MD, Malcolm Archer, said: "They are now generating renewable energy on site and have batteries to store the excess power giving them a battery backup facility to use in the event of a power failure."

Project leader, Tom Pearson, discussed the potential savings the centre would make, stating: "the Community Centre will save £4,000 a year on its energy bills.

"Fully sustainable, the centre acts as a warm welcome centre and an emergency location in case of serious flooding.

"The scheme is a further commitment to serve and secure the Centre as a continuing hub for community best practice."