Two national parks in HAMPSHIRE are to get LED street lights to restore views of star-filled night skies.

Campaigners have welcomed the move by the county council to switch to dark-sky friendly lamps in residential streets in South Downs and New Forest national parks at a cost of £1m.

LED lanterns are about twice as expensive as conventional street lamps, but reduce night sky light pollution and are more energy-efficient. The lights are expected to save £24,000 each year on energy bills as well as 138 tonnes of carbon emissions.

environment and transport chief Mel Kendal approved plans for 3,600 LED lamps as part of a multi-million pound private finance initiative project to replace ageing street lights across the county.

A small scale test of the LED technology has already been conducted in Stanier Way, Hedge End . The lanterns can be dimmed. SSE Contracting will be carrying out the work.