THE Mayor of Bradford on Avon, Cllr Alex Kay, has celebrated the launch of a new Solar Panel energy system with a tea party.

She was helped by six-year-olds Finlay and Thibault to unveil a Solarsense Renewable Energy monitoring display panel on Sunday (March 3).

Cllr Kay said: “It seems we have not got much sun today as the weather is so poor we’ll probably need wellies and a jacket.

“But we are now generating energy from the sun to produce electricity for the town.”

Since installing the 72 solar panels on the south side roof of St Margaret’s Hall, Bradford on Avon Town Council has managed to shave an estimated £270 off its electricity bill.

A week ago last Monday (Feb 25), the system generated 114kwh on the hottest day of the year so far, said hall manager Tim Yeomans.

Mayors from three towns, Frome, Trowbridge and Warminster, were among 50-plus guests at the tea party from 2-4pm.