SHOCKING news! Blackpool's derelict solarium will soon be generating its own electricity thanks to a government cash boost.

The run-down Harrowside building is to equipped with solar panels on the rooflights of its East and West wings and above the main hall thanks to a £132,623 government grant.

It will be known as The Solaris Centre and will also feature rainwater harvesting, water conservation, solar water heating and two urban wind turbines on the outside of the building.

The cash is Blackpool's share of a £2 million fund for promoting renewable energy.

It will be used to pay for solar panels, or photovoltaics as they are properly known, at the centre which will generate enough electricity to power four and a half households.

The Solaris Centre is one of 18 homes, schools and leisure centre projects in England and Wales to attract the special government funding, announced on Monday by energy minister Brian Wilson.

He said: "The Energy White Paper delivered clear aims for renewable energy, to achieve our ambition of doubling the share of renewables electricity by 2020 from our 2010 target of ten per cent. These projects will help us achieve that goal.

"They demonstrate that renewable energy sources can be used in any building from houses to aquariums, anywhere in the country."

The latest funding comes hot on the heels of a £175,000 Lottery grant which kick-started Blackpool's enterprising Solaris Centre plans.

And Blackpool Borough Council hopes the solarium -- which will house the Blackpool Environmental Action Team and the Lancaster Environment Centre -- will become a 'regional centre of excellence' for environmental sustainability.