WORK is about to start in the region on the world's largest biofuels plant.

Today marks the beginning of work on Biofuels Corporation's plant, with a ceremony taking place at the site at Seal Sands, on Teesside.

It is expected that the plant will be in operation by the middle of next year and will be capable of producing 250,000 tonnes of environmentally-friendly biodiesel a year, serving markets in the UK and the rest of Europe.

The first modules for the plant, which are being built in Austria, are expected to arrive before Christmas.

Biodiesel has been commonplace on the Continent for several years, but is only now beginning to have an impact in the UK.

Refined from vegetable oils, biodiesel has significant benefits over mineral diesel, not least its cleaner emissions and neutral effect on global warming.

Biofuels Corporation, in Billingham, has backing from local and regional agencies, including One NorthEast, Tees Valley Regeneration and the Teesside Chemical Initiative.

The project has received a £.1.2m Government Regional Selective Assistance grant and earlier this year the company floated on the Alternative Investment Market, raising £14m.

Once operational, the plant is expected to employ 45 people, although many more jobs are expected to be created in supply businesses, such as agriculture, transportation and storage.

The ground-breaking ceremony will be conducted by Stockton Mayor Jennie Beaumont.

Published: 09/11/2004