An east Kent Church near Dover refuses to be left behind when it comes to technology and is doing its bit to save tonnes of carbon dioxide.

St Anthony of Pamiers Church in Alkham has been fitted with a solar photo-voltaic (PV) system on the roof.

The 16 panels are expected to produce around 3,300 kilowatt hours of electricity a year.

It is about the same as that consumed by the average UK house.

As churches are built in an east-west direction, many have a south facing roof and St Anthony’s has a south aisle roof hidden from view by a surrounding parapet.

Around 41 tonnes of carbon dioxide is expected to be saved over the panels' 25 year lifespan.

Although solar PV is not new for churches it is a first for a church in Kent.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©