A BARNSLEY firm has negotiated a deal worth more than $7 billion to build the world's biggest solar power station in Turkey.

Solar Europa, based at Capitol Park, Dodworth, is in the final stages of signing the $7.25bn contract which, if signed, will create at least 600 jobs here - where most of the equipment will be built - as well as scores more in distribution, and a Turkish workforce installing the solar panels on site.

The plant will cover thousands of acres of desert scrubland and will generate enough electricity to power more than a million homes.

The firm, which currently employs about 50 people, has been working with lots of partners and organisations for several years and received support from the very top of government when CEO David Hawkins met with David Cameron at Downing Street in May last year.

** The full story is in the Barnsley Chronicle, dated October 24. **