Homeowners in Exeter are being encouraged to make their homes greener by switching off their appliances and consumer electrical goods.

Exeter City Council is working with local environmental groups as part of the Big Switch Off, a two week campaign to urge people to save energy in their homes.

The local authority is trying encourage participation in the event through green home giveaways at Exeter College and the University of Exeter and a climate change exhibition at the Central Library.

Environmental goods including a smart metre, an eco-kettle and phone charger can be won in a competition which can be entered by people registering their details on the council's website.

Kevin Mitchell, Exeter City Council's lead councillor for environment and leisure, told This is Exeter: "With fuel costs on the increase, the aim of the Big Switch Off is to raise awareness of how taking simple steps around the home can help reduce energy bills by up to £120 per year, as well reduce carbon dioxide."

Meanwhile, Dr Paula Owen of the Energy Saving Trust recently told the News of the World that homeowners can collectively save £1 million by adopting 'green home' measures.