A MAYOR is to trade in his luxury limousine for an eco-friendly car as part of a council's push to save the environment.

Hyndburn will also lead the way in East Lancashire by using bio-diesel in all compatible vehicles in its 200-strong fleet.

Mayor Mohamed Rahman will swap his five-year-old leased Mercedes E Class for a £17,000 leased Toyota Prius, which uses an electric motor combined with diesel power.

The car's engine charges the batteries as it goes along. As a result, it produces much lower emissions of carbon dioxide harmful to the environment.

The mayoral car travels an average of 6,000 miles a year, meaning the switch will drastically reduce the council's toxic emissions.

Announcing the change, leader Peter Britcliffe said: "We will be replacing the gas guzzling mayoral limousine with a less expensive and environmentally friendly diesel-electric car. But this is just the start of our plans to look after our environment for residents."

Bio-diesel is a blend of waste or virgin vegetable oil and ultra-low sulphur diesel fuel.

Council staff are to be educated in the importance of being environmentally friendly as part of a £13,000 package of energy reduction measures, including simple steps such as switching lights off when leaving a room.

Heating and air conditioning systems are also to be evaluated.

The council is looking to increase its internal recycling rate from 53 per cent to 80 per cent over the next year.

This will be done by putting more recycling stations around council buildings and in public meeting rooms. Cardboard recycling will also be introduced.

Food waste from council kitchens will also be sent for composting.