BUSINESSES are being encouraged to switch off their lights on Saturday at 8.30pm as part of World Wildlife Fund Earth Hour. The hope is that more than a billion people across the globe will turn their lights off for an hour to raise awareness of climate change.

BUSINESSES are being encouraged to switch off their lights on Saturday at 8.30pm as part of World Wildlife Fund Earth Hour.

The hope is that more than a billion people across the globe will turn their lights off for an hour to raise awareness of climate change.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council and St Nicholas Church will be taking part in the event, with flood lights being switched off at the Town Hall and church.

Geraldine Hough, environmental services officer, said: “Climate change is a very real danger that will affect all of us. It is particularly threatening to Yarmouth as we are a coastal borough. The important message is that everyone can make a contribution.

“Turn lights off when you leave a room, turn the thermostat down by one degree, and walk, cycle or take the bus into town.

“While some people will be watching TV in the dark or lighting candles for a more relaxing atmosphere, more novel ideas included a murder mystery party. At the end of the day even if you support the initiative by just switching off those lights that are not needed then at least that's something.”

All Norfolk's local authorities have signed up to a county wide Climate Change strategy.