THE CONGREGATION of a Petersfield church will be praying for sunny days so the church can be illuminated by power from above.

After a generous bequest, the Parochial Church Council of St Peter’s Church in The Square plans to install 27 solar panels on its south- facing roof, to help reduce its carbon footprint.

Explaining the church view in the plans submitted to South Downs National Park Authority, St Peter’s vicar, the Rev Will Hughes, said the panels will be an integral part of the mission and witness of the church.

He added: “The church intends our efforts to be effective in lowering our carbon footprint without impacting on the life and witness of the church, so that the community is aware that they can live sustainably without compromising their lifestyle.

“Awareness of the panels will be through literature and posters and the panels will have little visual impact.”

If national park planners agree to the plans, the panels will go on the gently sloping lead roof at the back of the Grade One listed church, believed to have been built in the 12th century.

Bordering the roof is a low crenelated wall, which should help to hide the panels from view.

For more information about the application, visit the national park website, www.southdowns.gov.uk, and follow the planning search link, using the reference number SDNP/15/ 06195/FUL