A COMPANY is to power its entire fleet of lorries, vans and other vehicles on used vegetable oil after investing £75,000 on a bio-diesel fuel plant.

A&V Squires, one of the largest plant hire and earth moving contractors in the East Midlands, expects to produce up to 15,000 litres of the 'green fuel' each week from its own site on the Crew Lane Industrial Estate in Southwell.

It was due to be officially opened today by Newark MP Patrick Mercer.

Squires' plant transport manager Mark Wilkinson said: "We decided to make the investment in a bid to help minimise our impact on the environment.

"Producing our own bio-diesel should cut our carbon emissions by up to 25%.

"By converting used vegetable oil, we are taking it out of the waste stream where it can block drains and pollute waterways. Another great way to help the environment."

The waste vegetable oil will be supplied by renewable energy consultants, Mr Stompies, of Mansfield.

Mr Mercer said: "I'm extremely honoured to be invited to officially open the new bio-diesel fuel plant. I'd like to congratulate A&V Squires in successfully transferring their vehicles and plant to biodegradeable diesel and, in doing so, helping to protect our environment."