VILLAGERS in Hook Norton, near Banbury, opened their doors to the public to show off the energy-saving devices they have fitted to their homes.

The Green Homes Open Day was staged on Sunday, with seven homes in the village welcoming in 40 visitors.

The company Hook Norton Low Carbon was established two years ago after receiving a £400,000 grant from the Government and it now gives out small loans to residents who want to adapt their homes.

About £200,000 was used to install solar panels on the roofs of the village primary school and the Baptist church to generate electricity.

Optician Jem Hayward, 52, who lives at Hare Cottage in Netting Street with wife Catherine, 49, and his stepdaughter, Alice, 13, was one of the residents who showed off the green changes he has made.

A barn conversion at the back of his house, to create an extra two rooms, features a hemp-based insulation system provided by an Abingdon company.

There is also an energy-efficient heating system, solar panels that heat water and extra insulation in the roof to ensure the building is cheap to heat.

Mr Hayward said: “People seemed very interested in the changes people in the village have made and I hope it will encourage them to do the same.

“People often have good intentions regarding this but then struggle to find the right builders, engineers and suppliers.”

For further information visit hn-lc.org.uk