WORCESTER Warriors turn eco-warriors as they urge people to switch off their lights to help save the environment.

The rugby stars join church leaders, schools, businesses, a nursing home and an eco cafe in backing the Worcestershire County Council Switch it Off campaign.

This year’s campaign will run for a week from Monday, with the county council’s chairman, Councillor Alwyn Davies, and Worcester Warriors players switching off the floodlights to mark the start of the campaign.

Councillor Davies, alongside the Dean of Worcestershire, the very reverend Peter Atkinson, will be present at the finale to switch off the lights at Worcester Cathedral on Switch it Off Day on Friday, October 24.

Liz Alston, Worcestershire County Council’s sustainability officer, said: “Last year’s campaign was a real success and we are urging residents from across the county to join forces once again to make sure that this year’s event is even better. By making the smallest of changes, people of all ages can do their bit to reduce electricity consumption and most importantly, emissions of climate change-causing greenhouse gasses.”

Families, business and schools throughout Worcestershire are already monitoring their out put during this week in the run-up to Switch it Off week.

Timberdine Nursing Home and Asha Women's project link are also promoting the campaign.

The Eco Café at the Fold in Bransford will be offering everyone who makes a pledge to Switch Off a free hot drink from 4pm until 8pm on Friday, October 24 Worcestershire County Council sustainability officers will be on hand at the Kingfisher Shopping Centre in Redditch to offer advice on Tuesday, October 21. The University of Worcester has nominated an eco-warrior to ensure that lights and electrical equipment are not left on in halls of residence.

They are also running interhalls competition, which will continue until Christmas.

Switch it Off is aimed at highlighting the electrical savings that can be achieved when people turn off unwanted lights and electrical appliances left on standby.

Central networks will be monitoring electricity consumption during the week-long campaign to see how Worcestershire performs.

Last year Worcestershire achieved a five per cent reduction in energy demand during the big finale from 4.30pm to 630pm on the Friday compared to the previous day.