Solar panels and even wind turbines could soon be gracing Helston's Guildhall after the town council was urged by one of its members to "take a lead" in advocating renewable energy.

Helston town councillor Keith Reynolds asked his fellow members to consider installing some form of renewable energy and lead by example.

Mr Reynolds said: "I am constantly being told by the government that I have got to cut my carbon footprint and I'm 'personally responsible' for global warming. I would like to see this council take a lead and show we believe in trying to cut our consumption."

He added that he was "very enthusiastic" about the technology and was happy to "do the donkey work" and research the possibilities before bringing more information back before the council.

Mr Reynolds said he was well aware that the Guildhall was in a conservation area, but solar UV panels would not be visible from the roof. He also believed that grant funding was available to help cover the cost.

The idea was greeted with a warm response by other members. Councillor Niall Devenish said: "I wholeheartedly support this initiative. It is important we take a lead."

Councillor Sue Swift added: "I agree, we have got to do something." She said that there was a body set up, called the Renewable Energy Councillor Network, to provide support and advice to councillors who wished to implement renewable energy resources.

Members agreed to let Mr Reynolds research the costs and the process of installing such a system before he returned to the council with a view to setting up a working party to progress the idea.