An investigative journalist has gone deep undercover in order to expose Bushey residents wasting energy.

The Energy Saving Trust’s representative Oliver Cox, of Bushey Mill Lane, concluded his week long mission to observe and monitor his family’s wasteful behaviour on October 25.

Ten-year-old Oliver has compiled a detailed account of his findings on a digital video camera, in conjunction with Energy Saving Week.

He said: “I realised we waste a lot of electricity. I learnt we should turn the lights off when we leave the room and we shouldn't leave taps on when we are brushing our teeth.”

Oliver kept a tally of things like spending too long in the shower or leaving the television on standby.

Oliver's mother Jane said: “It's an eye opener, to see it all written down made me more conscious of food waste. Greg and I both work so it was easier to just get a takeaway. Now I take time to plan the week's meals in advance.

“Oliver tried to hide where we couldn't see him so he could be properly undercover. We're quite glad he didn't film us wasting water in the shower though.”

More than 40 families across the UK have taken part in the research to highlight wasteful habits in the home.

Mrs Cox said: “It's about understanding the impact you're having on the world. We've always recycled, but as a result of this week we've been given a home energy report and it's surprising how much I could save.

“I will look at having cavity wall and loft insulation installed as this could save me around £400 on my energy bills every year. I will also buy some more energy saving light bulbs.”

For more information about Energy Saving Week telephone 0800 512012 or email enquiries@est-eofe.org.uk.