Cleaner diesel uses plant oil

The new fuel is a mixture of diesel and rapeseed oil

A company claims it has made diesel fuel more environmentally-friendly - by mixing it with rapeseed oil.

GlobalDiesel, which is designed to be used in any diesel engine, was developed by Greenergy, an independent clean-fuels supplier.

Company spokesperson Kate Hinton said the fuel would slash carbon dioxide emissions by 5% and reduce the amount of smoke in the exhaust fumes by up to 28%.

A garage in Stroud, Gloucestershire, became the first in the UK to stock the fuel when it went on sale on Thursday.

Ms Hinton said: "Prudent drivers can also welcome improvements in fuel consumption of up to 1%.

"We have also had feedback from consumers, saying you can get a real improvement in the performance of your vehicle too."

Roger Budgeon, of The Green Shop garage, said: "We've already sold a few hundred litres."

Despite claims the new fuel - which is 95% diesel and 5% rapeseed oil - can be used in any engine without the need for modifications, the advice from motoring organisations is to check with car suppliers before filling up.