FAMILIES from Droitwich Spa are being urged to go green in a bid to protect the environment.

Staff at Wychavon District Council are looking at ways to protect the world's resources by cutting down on pollution, saving paper and using energy more efficiently - but they need your help.

The authority's environment project officer, Cherrie Mansfield, said: "The council is doing its bit towards a better environment but it is also up to the people of Wychavon to recognise this issue is crucial for us all and also for future generations.

"We should all be asking ourselves - are we doing our bit?

"Just by switching off an unnecessary light in our homes every night saves enough energy to run a stereo for 16 hours - so a little effort goes a long way."

The go-green push comes after a report by the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution revealed the affect on the climate could be more severe than first realised.

Top tips to save energy and money include:

*Switching off lights and appliances - a TV on standby uses up to 25 per cent of full power.

* Keeping your fridge at 2-3C and your freezer at 15C.

* Fitting energy saving light bulbs.

* Leaving the car at home for short journeys.