Throughout war, disaster and recession, it has kept Britain illuminated for more than 120 years.

But the traditional incandescent lightbulb is finally being switched off for the last time.

Retailers have stopped replenishing stocks of conventional 100watt bulbs and will have run out within weeks.

The voluntary withdrawal – part of a Government campaign to force people into buying low-energy fluorescent bulbs – follows the scrapping of the 150w bulb last year.

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The move has angered medical charities who say the low-energy alternatives can trigger a host of ailments, including migraines, epilepsy and skin rashes.

The lightbulb revolution was first signalled by Gordon Brown in 2007.

The Government says the switch to low-energy bulbs will reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by around five million tonnes a year – the equivalent to the emissions from a typical 1gigawatt coal-fired power station.

Low-energy lightbulbs are miniature versions of the fluorescent striplights common in offices and kitchens.

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