IT is rare that the switching off of a town's Christmas lights at the end of the festive season is made much of, but Devizes Mayor, Coun Paula Winchcombe, will use the occasion to point the way to energy efficiency next week.

Mrs Winchcombe will throw the switch to plunge the town back into workaday normality next Wednesday, January 7, as part of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust's latest campaign to urge local people to take energy conservation seriously.

Project officer, Nicola Sandell, said: "We are calling on volunteers across the county to help combat climate change by encouraging friends and neighbours to use less energy at home.

"We all use energy to heat and light our homes, which comes from burning fossil fuels at power stations.

"This pollutes our air and creates a blanket of carbon dioxide, which is heating up our planet and changing our climate, threatening plants and animals."

Mrs Winchcombe said: "Through Switch On the people of Wiltshire can really do their bit to help protect wildlife and at the same time can save money off their fuel bills."

As part of the initiative, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is setting up an Energy Club to provide discounts on items such as boilers, insulation and light bulbs.

Call Nicola Sandell on (01380) 725670, extension 357, to enrol in the Energy Club.