PUPILS and staff at Hyde primary School have launched its Solar Schools campaign.

The school has launched a series of community events starting on October 31, to raise £10,000 by July 2016 to install solar panels on their roof.

Installing solar panels would add money to the schools’ budget every year by reducing bills and their carbon footprint.

Head teacher at Hyde School Julie Dalziell said: "We're delighted that everyone at Hyde C. of E. Primary School will be able to participate in this very special community project.

"We're looking forward to enabling our children to learn about the environmental needs of the world and contribute towards a more sustainable future.”

The project, launched by carbon cutting organisation 10:10 in conjunction with Mumsnet, combines traditional fundraising elements, such as cake sales and non-uniform days, with innovative online social networking.

Cecily Spelling, Solar Schools Project Manager, 10:10 said: "We're so excited to have Hyde school on board this year. It's been a turbulent start to their journey with the proposed changes to solar subsidies – the Feed in tariff, but the team haven't let it phase them.

"They've got a year to get the panels up to retain the Fit and with all the enthusiasm we have seen to date and the support of the New Forest locality, I've got no doubt they'll reach their target in no time."

The series of events begins on Saturday October 31 with a charity concert of Divine Music played by International Violinist Brian Lloyd Wilson at 7pm, St Saviours Church, Brockenhurst.

Tickets are £10.