NORTH Yorkshire County Council says its plan to use bio-diesel in its vehicles will aid the rural economy and environment.

Neil Dodson, the authority's principal policy officer, says in a report to the council's environment and heritage scrutiny committee, that the scheme calls for the use of bio-diesel made from crops or from waste vegetable cooking oil as a substitute for conventional diesel.

"There is increasing interest in its use, both for environmental and economic reasons," he said.

Yorwaste, the waste disposal company, and the North York Moors National Park Authority already use it as a mix with conventional diesel in their vehicles.

Mr Dodson said using biodiesel would minimise emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, as well as maximise re-use and recycling of waste.

It would also set an example for companies to follow.

He added: "Increased use of bio-diesel produced from crops would also contribute to the rural economy."