The first in a series of renewable energy schemes has been completed in the town of Crewe, it has been confirmed.

With the local council having teamed up with Wulvern Housing to increase levels of green power in the area, it has been announced that four bungalows in Wybunbury have been fitted with solar panels.

The properties, which are not connected to the mains gas supply, make use of the solar panels on their roofs to provide hot water, while central heating is also provided by an air-source heat pump.

Resident Fred Salmon told the Crewe and Nantwich Guardian: "Since having the solar panels installed, I have plenty of hot water on tap. I'm even looking forward to receiving my electricity bill!"

It is expected that many more of the 5,000 homes managed by Wulvern in and around the Crewe area will similarly benefit from solar power within the coming months.

Just recently, National Energy Action reacted warmly to the news that UK homes not on the National Grid will receive grants of up to £6,500 to help them install solar thermal water heating and air source heat pumps.