A REVOLUTIONARY dump truck has gone into action for the first time in the county where it was designed and made.

Up to now, Thirsk-based Multidrive's 24-tonne M8 has only been sold to companies working in the mining industry in South Africa.

But now, one of the mighty trucks has taken to the roads in North Yorkshire.

The M8 is claimed to be both more fuel efficient and safer than its predecessors.

It does not have to be tipped up to discharge its load, as a conveyor belt running along the base of the truck empties it.

Because no hydraulics are needed to tip the truck, it is much lighter and, therefore, uses less fuel. In addition, there is no danger of it tipping over.

Yorwaste is now using the M8 on the landfill site at Harewood Whin, near Rufforth, where it carries compost, aggregates and residual waste that cannot be recycled.

The company's head of operations, Kevin Quigley, said: "The M8 represents a significant cost saving because it can carry three different types of waste product at either high or low volumes and weights.

"We previously had to hire vehicles to carry out this work, and because the M8 doesn't need to be tipped to discharge its load, it is also a lot safer to use."

Multidrive project manager Dave Tetchner said: "We are looking to establish home markets for the M8 and, as a company based in North Yorkshire, we are pleased that our first customer is another local firm."