Wind turbines to power two council-owned buildings are to be installed after a local authority landed a £200,000 grant.

The Carbon Trust has donated the cash to Brighton and Hove City Council which has promised to add another £250,000 of its own money for the scheme.

The city council plans to introduce a range of eco-friendly measures to help cut its carbon emissions by a fifth over the next five years.

Eight wind turbines will be put up at Kings House council offices in Grand Avenue, Hove, as well as one on the lawn outside.

The council will also purchase two small wind turbines for West Hove Children's Centre.

A detailed energy audit of all council buildings, including schools and offices, to find out how they can be made more energy efficient is being carried out.

Plans for eco-kitchens and eco-toilets are also being conceived.

Thurstan Crockett, the council's head of sustainability, said: "This money will help us realise our plans to make a real difference on climate change.

"As one of the largest employers in the city, other businesses look to the council to lead the way on this issue.

"In the summer we're planning a seminar with businesses leaders in the city to share our knowledge and experience of reducing carbon emissions."

The Carbon Trust is a not-for-profit organisation set up by the Government to help businesses and public sector organisations reduce carbon emissions.

Richard Rugg, the Carbon Trust's public sector manager, said: "The city council's support and enthusiasm for sustainability issues is impressive."