Nick Baker, presenter of Channel 5's 'Weird Creatures' programme and the BBC's 'Really Wild Show', is backing Chagford Primary School in its bid to secure funds for solar panels.

Chagford School wants to put 64 photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on two roof spaces to convert sunlight into energy. This will reduce fuel bills and carbon emissions and create a renewable, sustainable source of energy.

Chagford pupils are right behind the scheme and have written letters to potential funders and supporters. They even returned to school in their holidays to meet Nick Bakerm who is a Chagford resident, and talk about publicising their cause.

Nick was impressed by the children's enthusiasm: 'They really want to change to renewable energy — and what better place to do it than a school, especially this one, which is embedded in the heart of the community.

'You always get people who will say, it's not economical, it's ugly, but actually it makes total sense.

'From a personal view I am also looking at ways of installing panels at my house. I am looking to the future with them.

'It would be great if when my daughter, Elvie, goes to the school here in a couple of years the panels were up and running'

Marika Tyler–Clarke, aged 9, is among those who have written letters of support.

In her letter, which she showed to Nick, she says: 'I know that if I walked into school everyday and saw solar panels up, I would be very proud of Chagford School. Although we are not blaming you people who came before us we are now turning to you to ask for help.'

The project has also gained favour among the wider community. Chagford-based holiday company, Helpful Holidays, have penned their support.

Sir Euan and Lady Bowater, who own the company, said: 'At present, Britain lags behind many other European countries, notably Germany. Although the initial costs of solar panels may be high, it will immediately start to reduce the school's energy bills.'

Ginette Ruthvin, a governor at the school who has been co-ordinating the solar project, said: 'We have a great opportunity to make a change that has a big impact. The children can learn so much from finding out how solar works and looking at ways to reduce our energy consumption.

'We will be able to set up a computer monitor which will show just how much energy is being generated.

'We are busy raising funds ourselves, as our match funding means everything we raise will be doubled, so we need to keep donations coming in.'

So far the project has been awarded £5,000 from the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund and match funding from the Low Carbon Building Programme (LCBP phase 2). A crucial application to EDF energy's Green Fund for a £25,000 grant is being submitted this week.With match funding, the school need to raise £39,000.