A HEALTH trust has found an innovative way to run its vehicles on biofuel thanks to the efforts of an employee.

Stephen Beardwell, who works as estate manager for Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, was looking to purchase a new fleet of vehicles when he drew inspiration from cars that ran on a B30 biofuel blend.

Now Stephen’s first converted vehicle is being used to collect waste powered by used cooking oil from the trust’s kitchens.

Plans are underway to convert a meal delivery van and two mail vans.

One of these vans is used across the whole of Lancashire and regularly travels over 1,000 miles per week.

It is estimated that this vehicle alone will save over £1,000 per year.

Stephen, who works as estates information systems officer at Guild Park in Preston, said: “The process began when I realised that I could utilise the waste cooking oil from Guild Park’s kitchens as a biofuel.

"We recently ran the first vehicle and I am currently in the process of converting more.

"The benefits are too good to be true; the Trust are cutting carbon emissions and saving money."

Dave Tomlinson, director of finance said; "Stephen’s biofuel project is a great example of what people can do when they turn their minds to it.

"We do not know of any other NHS body doing this at present and we hope the success of this innovation will persuade other public services and businesses to do the same.”