GWYNEDD Council offices in Dolgellau will be partaking in one of the World’s biggest environmental campaigns this weekend.

The county council is joining the global celebration for our brilliant planet by supporting the World Wide Fund’s Earth Hour – a lights-out event that focuses the world’s attention on our planet, and the need to protect it.

On 19 March, at 8.30pm, Gwynedd Council will be joining forces with thousands of iconic landmarks globally, from The Sydney Harbour Bridge to Times Square in New York, as they show their support by turning off all nonessential lights as part of Earth Hour.

Earth Hour’s unique display of darkness has become a global phenomenon with hundreds of millions of individuals coming together each year.

Last year in Wales, it is estimated that 500,000 people took part, sending out a united message of support.

Participating Welsh landmarks included the Senedd in Cardiff Bay, Caernarfon Castle, and The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth. 235 Welsh schools have signed up and Assembly Members from all parties have showed their support.

To celebrate Earth Hour 2016, the local authority will be switching off all nonessential lights at their Dolgellau Penarlag offices for one hour as well as several other council premises across the county.

Cllr John Wynn Jones, Gwynedd Council’s cabinet member for the Environment said: “We are proud to take part in Earth Hour and our employees are looking forward to being involved with such a great and inspiring event.

“Everyone can make a difference to help protect our planet and we all have a key role to play.”

Anne Miekle, head of WWF Cymru, added: “We’re delighted that Gwynedd Council will be supporting in Earth Hour this year and hope that they’ll inspire others to be involved.

“Climate change will have a massive impact on people, wildlife and habitats across the world, and we need to take action to protect them.

“By taking one simple step to switch off, you’ll be joining millions of people from around the world in this special celebration.”