AN energy-saving project at a Derbyshire landmark has helped cut its carbon emissions by almost 80%.

A year ago Sudbury Hall became one of the first National Trust properties in the country to be powered by small-scale renewable energy through a partnership with Npower.

As a result, its annual carbon emissions have dropped from more than 52 tonnes to around 12 tonnes.

Lorien Engineering Solutions installed bio-mass wood pellet boilers at the historic house, which played a major role in helping it reduce its carbon footprint.

Lesley Law, property manager at Sudbury Hall, said: "The project is helping us show that historic properties like Sudbury and new, renewable energy really do work."

Sudbury has also installed water-saving devices, draught exclusion and recycling schemes.

Money for the project came from the National Trust Green Energy Fund.