A BEWDLEY family are doing their bit to help the environment by using the sun to power their home.

John Iles and wife, Linda, have been using solar power since "realising a dream" and moving to a smallholding last November.

The couple, who met through their interest in conservation and wildlife, now live with their children, 17-year-old Jenny and James, 16, at their home in Ruskinland, part of woodland in the Wyre Forest.

Mr Iles, explaining why he decided to use renewable energy at the house, said: "We are both very concerned about the ways in which mankind is rapidly bringing about a crisis through global warming by burning fossil fuels and wanted to adopt a less energy intensive lifestyle for ourselves.

"We saw an opportunity to be able to carry on with our present jobs and to gradually invest in the farm to make it possible to live there more sustainably for many years to come."

Before the family moved to the home, a diesel generator was used to power the property, which is not connected to the Naztional Grid.

The family now uses the photovoltaic solar power system that converts the sun's energy using roof panels.

An inverter is then used to change the current from a 48-volt battery to the 240-volt ac current used by domestic appliances.

Mr Iles, when dismissing the "myth" about renewable energy being complex, said: "The system that we use is really simple. It is not difficult to operate and was very easy to set up. I understand that it might not be an option for some people but there are so many things people can do to help the environment.

"The amount of fossil fuels being burnt and damaging the environment is amazing and we can help because all it takes is a little thought."

A series of Government grants are available to people who install sustainable energy systems to encourage participation.

Mr Iles, explaining how he benefited, said: "At present generating solar electricity is expensive. Our installation cost over £20,000 but we were helped by a grant from the Government of about half that amount."

John's top 10 tips to help the environment

1: Turn off all lights and appliances when they are not needed. It is costing you money and producing CO2.

2: Do not leave the TV on standby. It is still using current and could be costing you up to £10 a year.

3: Fit as many low energy light bulbs as possible. They use much less electricity and also last much longer, some up to 12 years. Think about older relatives and help them fit these bulbs. Up to four free bulbs are available for Bewdley households from Gordon Dwyer at Opportunity Bewdley on 01299 405516.

4: Check out your walls to see if they are insulated. If they are not, consider cavity foam insulation.

5: Check the depth of insulation in your roof space. It needs to be at least 10 inches to be really effective.

6: Is your hot water tank as well lagged as it used to be? Has the jacket slipped? A new one needs to be 10 inches thick.

7: If you are buying new electrical appliances, make sure that they are A rated.

8: Try to ease the use on your freezer. Do not leave the door open while thinking what you want.

9: Get your central heating boiler serviced now rather than waiting for it to break down in the winter. When you do use it, turn thermostats down to the lowest comfortable setting.

10: Do a home energy check on line on the Energy Savings Trust website at www.est.org.uk