SWITCHED on youngsters at two local schools have won thousands of pounds to make sure no one forgets to turn the lights off when they leave a classroom.

The pupils won the cash grants after being asked for their bright ideas to save energy and cut fuel bills.

They immediately pointed out that large amounts of money were being wasted because nobody turned the lights off when they left a room.

And the pupils suggested installing magic eye sensors which automatically switch off the lights when a classroom or office is empty.

Now pupils at Thornleigh Salesian College, Sharples Park and the Withins School, Breightmet, have been awarded a grant to make their money-saving idea a reality.

Bolton North-east MP David Crausby presented the Thornleigh pupils with a cheque for £3,427 from the Schools Energy Programme - which is run by the Energy Saving Trust and backed by British Gas.

The Withins received £2,571 to instal the sensors.

Mike Woodhouse, of Thornleigh, said: "The pupils are very keen on environmental projects and have worked hard in a bid to reduce money spent on energy.

"The school has taken several measures already but the magic eyes have really caught the pupils' imagination and will help save pounds."

Mr Crausby said: "Awareness in saving energy is extremely important and is something which will stay with the pupils throughout their lives."

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