A CHAUFFEUR company has become the first in the North-East to sign up to an environmental scheme backed by the Government.

Parkers, based in Newcastle, has been assessed by Forest Carbon, in Durham, to find out how much carbon dioxide it will use during the next 12 months.

The company is the first in the region to buy carbon credits from the system, supported by the Government's Woodland Carbon Code, and the calculation covers the mileage of all its vehicles, as well as its office energy and paper use.

The amount of carbon dioxide is being balanced by the same levels captured by 608 trees planted by Forest Carbon in Scotland.

Brian Rudd, managing director of Parkers, said: “In everything we do, we strive for perfection, and are very aware of the effects greenhouse gases can have.

“The North-East has a great reputation in the renewable energy and green sectors and we are delighted to play our part.”

Stephen Prior, director of Forest Carbon, said: “Parkers’ carbon credits are quality assured via the Government’s Woodland Carbon Code, and we are the only company in the UK able to offer this to businesses.

"Parkers’ actions are forward thinking and will help ensure a better future environment for everyone.”