A YEAR-LONG campaign to save energy was launched in York today.

The city aims to become a world leader in the fight to save the environment as it launches Planet York.

The launch was marked by a sculpture of the Minster, crafted from ice and standing in the Museum Gardens. The effects of global warning were reflected as it melted through the day.

The Evening Press is joining forces with the Government-backed Energy Saving Trust, City of York Council and the York Energy Efficiency Advice Centre in the push to make York the most energy efficient city in the UK, and to set an example that the world can follow.

York's community will be urged to give the project its full backing at the Planet York Energy Fair being held, from noon to 4pm, on Saturday in the Museum Gardens.

City of York Council's deputy leader Dave Merrett said: "This initiative will show citizens across the country how much we can achieve by doing a little to work towards a more sustainable way of life."

York was chosen to host the event after it suffered some of Britain's worst flooding last November, widely believed to reflect climate change.

Through the year, the city aims to:

Achieve a 900 per cent increase in the number of homes checked for energy efficiency

Prompt energy-saving action in 10,000 homes

Encourage more than 100 businesses to sign up to taking efficient action

Install 50 solar power generators

Increase energy saving awareness by ten per cent.

Don't miss the Planet Earth supplement in tonight's Evening Press

Click here to read more about Planet York

Updated: 11:21 Wednesday, August 15, 2001