A West Devon children's charity has won a £12,000 Solar BeneFIT award for its retreat in Brentor.

The award, from Exeter-based ATASS Group, covers the free supply and installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels at CHICKS — Country Holidays for Inner City Kids.

Representatives of ATASS Energy, part of the ATASS Group, presented CHICKS chief executive Elanor Hoskin with a certificate marking the successful installation of the new panels, which have enabled the charity to generate its own electricity, while reducing its carbon footprint.

During the time it took ATASS Energy to present the certificate, the solar panels had generated almost 2kw of free energy — enough to make six cups of tea.

Rod Webb-Taylor, head of operations at CHICKS, said: 'The installation was quick and efficient. We're already noticing savings on our energy costs and we're now considering adding solar panels to our other offices.'

The ATASS Group secured £250,000 in community investment to provide the scheme, allowing eligible Devon charities to generate their own electricity, and boost their regular income for up to 25 years through the Government endorsed Feed-In-Tariff (FIT).

Vanessa Cobb, head of group marketing at ATASS, said: 'We're delighted that CHICKS are now able to start making significant savings on their electricity bills.'