THE Dartmoor Federation of Schools, made up of several schools in the Okehampton area, has been shortlisted in a competition being run by Marks and Spencer Energy Fund.

The M&S Energy Community Energy Fund is a national competition that offers grants for community groups around Great Britain who are looking to install renewable technology or energy efficiency measures.

If the Dartmoor Federation of Schools wins the prize, it will provide the funding for further energy saving measures to be taken within the schools.

The scheme proposes to replace old lighting with LED technology across nine primary schools in Okehampton, North Tawton, Bridestowe, South Tawton, Boasley Cross, Exbourne, Lydford, Highampton and Northlew.

School leaders were in agreement that the modern LED energy efficient equipment would improve lighting levels and save energy in the schools.

Daryll Chapman, executive principle of the Dartmoor Federation of Schools, said: ‘We want to improve the quality of lighting for our students and we also want to save energy costs — this is something that the Marks and Spencer Energy Fund would enable us to do.

‘We are hoping people will support us and vote for our bid as it would not only benefit our current pupils but future pupils as well. We would appreciate it is anyone wishing to support our schools to please find the time to go on to the website and vote.’

Nick Alford, headteacher of North Tawton Primary School, said: ‘As a school we try to save energy where we can. If the Dartmoor Federation of Schools wins the competition, each school, including North Tawton, would benefit from the installation of LED lighting, which would provide significant energy savings in our school.’

Hazel Fox, headteacher at Okehampton Primary School, said: ‘Our school is strongly committed to environmental issues and setting example for future generations.  We urge parents to visit the website and vote, as as well as lessening our environmental impact the money saved would go directly back to improving school for our children.’

To vote for Okehampton College to win the competition visit the website www.mandsenergyfund.com/projects/dartmoor-federation-of-schools