Langtoft Primary School has become the first primary in Lincolnshire to install its own wind turbine. And it will generate between a half and two thirds of the electricity used at the school.

Headteacher Richard Platt came up with the idea for a turbine. He said: “We started out with the idea 18 months ago because we wanted to encourage the children to think about sources of renewable energy, but also because of our own electricity costs.”

The turbine cost £22,000 and was partly funded by an £11,000 Department of Trade and Industry Grant. Planning permission for the 15m high turbine was granted in January and it was installed on Monday.

Mr Platt continued: “Last year our electricity bill was £4,000, so this could save us £2,000 to £3,000 per year. That’s all money that can be spent on the children’s education.

“We can sell any surplus back to the national grid and can sell carbon credits on the stock exchange which companies can buy to offset their taxes.”

The turbine can produce 6kw of energy per hour, which is enough to power six electric fires.

Mr Platt said: “The children are excited by it. It’s whizzing around in the wind right now,

“We do talk to the pupils about environmental issues. It makes it much more interesting for them having a turbine.

“Parents have also supported the project well. It benefits the wider community and proves we are committed to using renewable energy.”

The school will allow the turbine to run for a year to see exactly how much energy it generates before deciding how to spend the money it saves.

Skegness Grammar School was the first in the county to install its own wind turbine.

n Should more schools install turbines? What else should schools, businesses and households do to fight climate change? Email news@bournelocal.co.uk.