A MISSION to make York the world's leader in tackling climate change has been given a major surge as the city marks National energy Efficiency Week.

The ambitious year-long Planet York project aims to make the city an example for the rest of the world. After last year's floods, it intends to show that people can fight back to halt the destruction of the planet. Events next week aim to convince people that they can play a part. The week will be opened by York MP, Hugh Bayley.

Official figures show that the United Kingdom is wasting more than £5 billion every year because of a lack of energy conservation in homes - that's about £84 for every person living in the country.

Greater efficiency could slash household bills by as much as £200.

A free advice session on how that can be achieved is being held at the Environment Centre, in Bull Lane, York, on Monday.

Low energy light bulbs will be on sale, and people over 60, who are Yorkshire Electricity customers will be able to get free energy- efficient kettles.

Events through the week include a light bulb amnesty at which normal light bulbs can be exchanged for low-energy bulbs donated by Yorkshire Electricity. They will be handed out on Thursday, with the venue expected to be Newgate Market.

Planet York sees the Evening Press join forces with the Government-backed Energy Saving Trust, City of York Council and the York Energy Efficiency Advice Centre.

The Environment Centre event starts at 6.30pm.

Updated: 09:46 Saturday, October 20, 2001