Little Downham Rainbows are to plunge themselves into darkness for an hour as part of WWF’s Earth Hour.

The youth group is to join millions of people across the world taking part in the big switch off on Saturday March 19, and is encouraging others in the region to turn off all non-essential lights for an hour at 8.30pm to help preserve the planet.

Janine Pettifor at 1st Little Downham Rainbows, said: “We are proud to take part in WWF’s Earth Hour and our members are excited to be involved with such a great and inspiring event.

“Everyone can make a difference in protecting our planet and young people have a key role to play. Of course there’s a serious message here, but our members will also have lots of fun as they help WWF raise awareness of the issues our planet is facing.”

Over the last decade, WWF’s Earth Hour’s display of darkness has seen hundreds of millions of people coming together each year to switch off their lights. Last year, a record-breaking 172 countries and some of world’s most famous buildings including Big Ben, Hong Kong’s skyline and the Sydney Harbour Bridge joined the global celebration.

In the UK alone, over 10 million people took part, along with over 500 youth groups, 4,800 schools, 200 landmarks and thousands of businesses and organisations.

Cherry Duggan, Head of Schools and Youth at WWF-UK, said: “It’s great to see so many young people celebrating Earth Hour. We’re delighted that 1st Little Downham Rainbows is taking part and hope that they’ll inspire many other youth groups to get involved.

“WWF’s Earth Hour is more than just a symbolic hour of darkness. It’s a chance for people, both young and old, to come together and send out a global message about protecting our planet.”

For more information on WWF’s Earth Hour, please visit www.wwf.org.uk/earthhour.