CLITHEROE firm Castle Cement has been given permission to burn animal products at its Ribblesdale site.

Following a six-month trial, which took place from April to October 2005, the Environment Agency has now given the firm permission to carry on burning meat and bone meal (MBM) as a substitute fuel.

The agency monitored the trial and made sure the meal would not increase the environmental impact of the cement-making process.

The system is a way of reducing pressure on landfill sites, and cutting consumption of fossil fuels.

Gill Stokes, the Environment Agency's acting area manager, said: "We are satisfied that burning MBM will not increase the environmental impact of the site.

"MBM is already used as a fuel in cement kilns in many European countries, including France, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland.

"Burning MBM like this makes good use of a waste that would otherwise have to be disposed of, and also provides a sustainable fuel as an alternative to fossil fuels like coal.

"The strict conditions we have imposed on Castle Cement's use of MBM will protect both the environment and the health of local people."

The agency has ordered that MBM can only be used in one kiln, and can only provide up to 50per cent of the heating needs.

The trial provided Castle Cement with up to 50per cent of heat needed for the cement-making process, and saved the use of 8,000 tonnes of coal.

Gareth Price, general manager of Castle Cement's Ribblesdale works, said: "The MBM is entirely consumed in the high temperatures of our cement manufacturing process in the same manner that coal is currently. There are no emission problems associated with its use, and it helps solve society's waste problems by providing an effective and safe recovery of energy."