The trustees of Thornham village hall are urging the public to help them win a competition and £12,000 funding by voting online.

They are looking to add to the hall's eco-friendly credentials with solar panels to reduce the carbon footprint.

The bid has been shortlisted in the Marks & Spencer Energy Fund competition, and a spokesman for the trustees said: 'We have a very real chance of winning funding of £12,000 for solar panels for the hall. We are on a shortlist of three. Installing solar panels would enable us to become financially and environmentally sustainable and allow us to become energy self-sufficient. We need about 2,000 votes to win.'

The hall, which was opened by the Queen three years ago, was built in accordance with the latest environmental controls, and underfloor heating ensures a constant temperature is maintained.

To vote, visit: www.mandsenergyfund.com/projects/thornham-village-hall-and-playing-field. Voting is open until October 10.