M&S has launched a new initiative to create renewable electricity from solar panels on its stores, including one in Longbridge.

Together with Energy4All, M&S Energy Society is inviting members to invest £100 to £100,000 towards solar panels, which will be installed on up to nine stores.

M&S will then buy back the energy to power its stores.

The Society is targeting an interest rate of five per cent each year and parents and grandparents can also purchase shares on children's behalf.

Each installation will reduce the CO2 emissions released by M&S supermarkets, to help fulfil its green energy commitment for 50 per cent of its electricity to come from small-scale renewable energy by 2020.

After paying interest to its members, any remaining funds will be invested back into the community, in areas decided by its members.

Lydia Hopton, Plan A project manager at M&S, said: “This project is a great opportunity for customers to invest in green energy and help the environment, while also supporting local community groups.

"We’re really excited that M&S will be the first retailer to launch a scheme of this kind."