BRIGHT spark Sam Walter is urging people to join his energy-saving campaign and last an hour without power.

Sam, aged 17, of Rothwell Road, Malvern, created his Trip The Switch project in response to the threat of man-made climate change. He has also launched a website to bring together interested people.

"It's just to make people aware of how much power we use and how dependent we are on it," said Sam, who is studying art business studies and economics at The Chase.

"I support David Miliband's carbon allowance proposal and I think my project is relevant to it," he said. "If we can reduce the amount of power we use, we reduce the amount of carbon emissions we're responsible for."

Sam said that people could take time out without power to read, go for a walk or talk to friends.

"There are endless possibilities and you don't need power for any of them," he said.

Together with a group of friends, Sam tried it as an experiment on Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm.

He said: "It was easy. I just turned the power off and sat and read the paper for an hour. I know four or five of my friends did it as well. I'm waiting to hear from others."

Sam is planning another switch-off in two or three weeks' time. More details will be posted on his website at www.TripTheSwitch.com. There is a forum for visitors to discuss their own ideas and experiences. Sam hopes to place podcasts describing his progress.