SCHOOLS in York are being urged by one of the city’s MPs to take advantage of a a multi-million-pound solar giveaway.

All schools across the UK are eligible to put themselves forward to win solar panels worth between £20,000 and £40,000 each from British Gas, with their chances of succeeding hinging on how they can prove their eco-friendly credentials.

Under the competition, up to 750 schools will receive the panels, with about half of them going to those in low-income areas, while free energy display meters aimed at helping to reduce energy consumption are also up for grabs.

York Central MP Hugh Bayley said: “This is an exciting opportunity for York schools both to go green and save money.

“If a York school were to win, it would bolster the city’s green credentials.

“Schools which win this competition will be able to generate their own renewable electricity, helping them save as much as 20 per cent on their annual bill.”

More details and application forms are available at generationgreen.co.uk/solarpanels