A FAMILY has become committed to saving the environment after floodwater destroyed their home.

Neil and Nicky Rogers, along with daughters Holly, nine, and Alice, six, have become firm supporters of PlanetYork, the year-long project to make the city the UK's most energy efficient. Their home has been transformed into a model of power saving since they were forced out for seven months when the River Ouse rose in November 2000.

Neil, from Cameron Grove, South Bank, said: "Our home was wrecked by floodwater, which was very stressful, but it made us seriously think about ways that we as individuals could minimise the impact our energy consumption might be having on global warming."

Now all new kitchen appliances are the most efficient available and low-energy light bulbs illuminate the double glazed rooms, heated by a condensing boiler.

They have applied, through PlanetYork, to have loft insulation installed. "We are now very aware of the impact our lives and lifestyles can have on the planet and we think it is important that we educate our children to understand it too," said Neil. "What happened to us, and other families, was traumatic and there is no guarantee that that sort of flooding won't happen again."

As well as helping the environment, the Rogers family's new appliances will also save them money. A condensing boiler could save up to 30 per cent on fuel bills compared to an old one, while low energy light bulbs can save up to £10 a year.

Updated: 10:14 Saturday, February 16, 2002