AN ECO-FRIENDLY church is installing solar panels as part of its ongoing drive for a greener brand of worship.

St James’ United Reformed Church, in Palmerston Road, Buckhurst Hill, is fitting 120 of the panels on its roof as the culmination of a two year project.

It has raised £109,000 through its own funds and grants from the Lottery for the project but estimates it will pay that bill off after ten years through selling surplus electricity.

Chairman of St James’ Ecological Committee Steven Neville said: “One of our members noted we had a south-facing roof and we should investigate looking into solar panels. We can generate our own electricity and sell the excess back.

“We hope this will inspire the people of Buckhurst Hill and beyond to think about how they can reduce their carbon footprint. It will be a very visible sign of our church’s determination to live in a way that reduces harmful effects on the environment, and to care for the people of the world.”

St James' is the only church in the district to hold the Eco Congregation Award acknowledging its religious commitment to a green environment. The church regularly holds eco bible studies and teaches on the importance of green activities among Christians.

Mr Neville said: “It fulfils our commitment as an Eco Congregation to look after the environment, and sends out a message to anyone passing by that this church cares for the environment and maybe you should too.”