WHILE the world looks to the G8 talks to bring new environmental safeguards, a North-East Council was yesterday making its own piece of green history.

For the first time, Durham City Council received delivery of bio-diesel to be used in its fleet of environmental services vehicles. The fuel costs the same as ultra low-sulphur diesel.

Porfolio member for the environment and leisure, Councillor Grenville Holland, watched as 22,000 litres of the fuel was pumped into tanks at the council's Dragonville complex.

He said: "The department has undertaken a great deal of research investigating the use of alternative fuel, so it's excellent progress for us to be able to use this bio-diesel in virtually all of our diesel-powered vehicles.

"We have regularly trialled various options towards sustainable energy, including liquid petroleum gas and electrically-powered vehicles, but none until now have been found suitable for our capacity and load-bearing fleet, such as refuse collection vehicles and grass- cutting equipment."