The Vale of Glamorgan Council has been widely praised among residents for the 125 energy-saving LED lanterns they have installed across Penarth.

The lanterns are designed in Victorian style and have been attached to the existing lighting columns.

Generating less heat, the new lanterns are more environmentally friendly and have been introduced in line with the Council's Energy Reduction Strategy.

Among various other plaudits posted online, resident Althea Sharp said: "What a delight to see some of the existing Victorian lamp posts upgraded with Victorian style lamps.

"Well done Vale Council!"

David Noble, Trustee and Treasurer of Penarth Civic Society, said: "Penarth Civic Society would like to applaud the fact that the Vale of Glamorgan Council was willing to listen to the concerns of the community about the original plan to replace the columns with modern galvanised posts.

"Having listened to the argument, the Council was able to come up with a solution that ensured the iconic original columns could be saved."

Councillor Peter King, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services and Transport, explains the benefit of the new LED lanterns.

"These new lanterns use significantly less energy than the previous lighting system so are much better for the planet and our contractor starts work on the installation in February.

"I know how proud Penarth residents are of the town's heritage, so our officers have worked hard to establish an arrangement where the old cast columns can remain and we are extremely grateful for the input of the Penarth Civic Society, who have assisted us in this work."