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Lights out in Leeds for Earth Hour

by David Mackie

Leeds may be plummeted into darkness on Saturday as families and businesses are encouraged to switch their lights off to mark Earth Hour.

From youth groups and schools to hotels and churches, people are pledging to dim their houses and places of work to symbolise their support for the environment and their commitment to tackling climate change.

Schools including Victoria Primary in Osmondthorpe, the Co-operative Academy in Burmantofts and Chapel Allerton Primary School have all pledged to switch off, as has the Park Plaza hotel and the Cathedral of St Anne.

Around the country, major buildings are taking part, including 10 Downing Street and other Government buildings.

However, Leeds City Council, who in recent years have turned off the lights at council buildings for the hour, have said they currently ‘have nothing planned’ to mark the occasion.

Earth Hour is a worldwide project organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to raise awareness of environmental and conservation issues.

This year it will take place from 8.30 to 9.30 pm on Saturday.

The event is held worldwide annually encouraging individuals, communities, households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour on the last Saturday in March, as a symbol for their commitment to the planet.

Started in Sydney in 2007, the event has grown annually and is now marked around the world.

To pledge, go to www.earthhour.org.

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