RESIDENTS in East Bury can go solar and win a money-saving, energy-efficient hot water system worth £3,000.

Those who visit Bury Council's energy show house at 20 Parsonage Street before the end of June can enter a prize draw for a "Thermomax" system. It uses a solar panel which effectively gives a house free hot water for much of the year.

The scheme, run through the East Bury Initiative and Scottish Power, also enables East Bury people to have the same system installed for half-price. An additional "Clear Skies" grant may be available, bringing the cost down to about £1,000.

Because of funding rules, only residents in the area can enter the competition or take advantage of the cut-price offer.

Andrew Hunt, East Bury energy efficiency officer, said: "Solar-powered hot water at home means security and independence from power cuts and rising energy prices. The 'Thermomax' system could provide all of a household's hot water during the summer and a proportion in the winter, all for free. And, of course, this system will cut a household's contribution to harmful carbon dioxide emissions."

The energy show house is open on Tuesdays from 4pm to 7pm, Wednesdays from 1.30pm to 4.30pm and Fridays from 9.30am to12.30pm.