A TEAM of experts whose jobs are based on creating winter wonderlands are appealing for Dorset residents to switch to low-energy fairy lights this Christmas.

The Christmas Decorators, who have recently opened a new office in Shaftesbury, is headed up by managing director, David Britton, who is urging the public to use energy efficiently this Christmas to ease pressure on the National Grid.

David said: “The National Grid has been under fire the past few days amid fears it cannot support rising demands for energy, especially if we are hit by a cold winter, as seems likely.

“Figures show that in 100 strung Christmas tree lights switched on for 10 hours a day over the 12 days of Christmas is likely to produce enough carbon dioxide to inflate 60 balloons.

“If you consider the number of homes lighting up in Dorset over Christmas, that’s a lot.

“However, there are ways to reduce the impact.

“Remember to turn off your lights when you aren’t at home; when buying your lights, choose strings with energy efficient bulbs or consider solar powered outdoor lights.”

For more information, go to the website thechristmasdecorators.com