THE Big Switch Off is coming to Exeter — good news for your wallet as well as the environment.

Residents, businesses and schools are being encouraged to switch off unnecessary lights and appliances to save energy and reduce bills by taking part in a fortnight of activities across Exeter from tomorrow to March 28.

The first event is a Home Energy Day in Exeter Guildhall, High Street, tomorrow.

From 11am to 3pm, people can find out more about saving energy in the home and renewable energy during the drop-in day, organised by environmental group Low Carbon Exeter.

Other events include Big Switch Off giveaways at Exeter College and the University of Exeter, a climate change exhibition at Exeter Central Library from March 16 to 19, and a Big Switch Off Day in Bedford Square on March 28, from 10am to 4pm.

The day will include a visit from green campaigner Brigit Strawbridge's Big Green Bus and a talk by It's Not Easy Being Green TV presenter Dick Strawbridge.

Children will also take part in an Energy Detectives competition to see which school can save the most energy.

The fortnight will end with The Big Switch Off on March 28, from 8.30pm to 9.30pm, when people across the city will be encouraged to switch off unnecessary lights and appliances in support of Earth Hour.

This year the goal is for one billion people to participate worldwide to take a stand against climate change.

Don't miss Echo 4 Eco on Monday, when we will be challenging mum-of-three Cath Johnson, from St Leonard's, Exeter, and her three children to monitor their electricity usage for a week.

Further information about the campaign is available online at www.ex eter.gov.uk/bigswitchoff.