Solar panels have been installed at a hospice in a bid to reduce energy costs.

The signs were installed at Eden Valley and at Jigsaw Children’s Hospice in Carlisle, with funding from money left in wills and a “significant donation” from a supporter.

The charity’s trustees say it is part of plans to make the hospice the most carbon neutral in the country.

Panels have been installed in several locations in the hope of reducing heating bills, especially in winter.

The hospice, which cares for adults and children with life-limiting illnesses, relies on donations to cover 80% of its operating costs and says rising energy bills have ” created a new set of challenges.”

Administrator James Porter said: “In addition to solar panels, we are exploring other ways to control our energy costs to reduce our impact on the environment.”

Jim Main, of installer APD Ltd, added: “Our usual environments are large industrial sites, so seeing the dedication and care taken by all the staff here has been inspiring.

“This is the first phase of the project and we look forward to planning the second phase with the aim of making the site the most energy optimized and carbon neutral hospice in the country.”