HAULAGE operators in County Durham are to find out how fuels made from vegetable oil can help cut their greenhouse gas emissions and tackle climate change.

Durham County Council is holding a Durham Biodiesel Day at Beamish, the North of England Open Air Museum, today.

It aims to help local organisations that run diesel vehicle fleets to find out more about the benefits of biodiesel to their business and the environment while reducing their carbon dioxide emissions.

Dr Jonathan Scurlock, of North-East Biofuels, a sponsor of the event, said: "Biodiesel is simply a form of processed vegetable oil.

"Commercial biodiesel fuel blends contain a proportion of oil extracted from plants such as rape seed oil and palm oil.

"The growing plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere which is then released when the fuel is used.

"The process is therefore carbon neutral in contrast to the combustion of fossil fuel, which releases previously stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

"Use of the blend does not require engine modification and has no effect on vehicle manufacturers' warranties."

Durham County Council has been successfully using a five per cent biodiesel blend in its own fleet vehicles for the past 12 months and is keen to encourage other organisations to do the same.

Councillor Bob Pendlebury, cabinet member for transport and sustainability, said: "We hope this event will encourage many other local organisations to make the switch to biodiesel.

"Supporting the development of biofuels is important to Durham County Council because they have the potential to help not only the environment but also our local economy.