Welsh third sector given chance to be switched on to 'Switch Off' campaign

Welsh third sector groups have the chance to lead the nation in WWF Cymru’s Earth Hour Switch Off. The annual Earth Hour will take place on 31 March.

Businesses, communities and homes are encouraged to switch off their lights for one hour from 8.30pm in order to help the environment.

One group will be given the chance to be WWF UK’s Champion Community for 2012, receiving £1,000 from WWF’s official partner, MORE TH>N. A grant of £300 will be given to the Welsh national winner, and this group’s community will be able to lead the Welsh Switch Off, ahead of landmarks such as the Millennium Stadium, the Senedd and Caernarfon Castle.

Groups wishing to be considered are asked to describe, in no more than 300 words, why their community should lead the switch off – taking into consideration the sustainable things the community does, and how the group plans to bring people together for Earth Hour.

Anna Meikle, Head of WWF Cymru, said: "We want entries not just from ‘green’ groups, but any groups that are striving to be more environmentally friendly have a great idea for marking Earth Hour 2012."

For full details, including details of how to enter, visit www.wwf.org.uk/wales - the competition closes at midnight on 27 February 2012.