SOLAR panels are to be installed at Skegness fire station under a new green scheme.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue hope to install the environmentally-friendly power producers at the station around April/May, after setting itself a target of reducing its carbon emissions by 20 per cent by 2012

They are also hoping to install Smart metres to the gas, electric and water supplies which will allow the station to monitor, manage and reduce the use of these resources.

The energy saving methods are also being made at other fire stations across the county, with each installation costing between £15,000 and £25,000 to complete.

Smart meters will be installed on all stations to give live information on utility usage and mean that similar stations can be compared for energy usage. The service can then target premises that may need improvements such as improved insulating abilities.

Fire service operations support manager Andy Whitfield said: "By investing in technologies such as these, the service can make significant savings to the amount of energy used.

"It makes good sense financially as these changes will result in savings not just now, but in years to come.

"We are really keen to continue improving our sustainability and are gradually working to change little things that will significantly reduce our carbon footprint in the future."