Tamsin Dunwoody, deputy minister for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks for the Welsh Assembly was guest of honour at a special event at the County Hall in Taunton that promoted the Council's Biofuel Project. The Minster requested the meeting with the councillors to learn from the Biofuel Project.

In 2005, Somerset joined forces with partners Ford Motor Company, Wessex Grain, Avon and Somerset Constabulary and Wessex water. Together they are introducing a fleet of Ford focus Flexi, Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) in the county.

Paul Buchanan, Somerset County Council's Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said: "Tamsin Dunwoody's visit will allow Somerset County Council to show the progress being made for sustainable transport, and is yet another boost for this unique project in the county. It reaffirms that the County Council, along with its partners, are leading the way in Somerset to help drive down carbon dioxide emissions, and help stop the dramatic change in climate as a result of global warming. Following this exciting visit, we now hope that the Welsh Assembly will follow in our footsteps in leading the way with this innovative step forward in cutting down carbon dioxide emissions."

They are the first bio ethanol-powered vehicles to be made in Europe and 40 of these vehicles will be introduced at the end of May by which the Council aims to drive down, dioxide exhausts.

In the meeting with the deputy minister, Somerset showed examples of the work that had already been done in the county as well as the aims of the project

Tamsin Dunwoody concluded: "It has been a very interesting, fact-finding visit which has given me a good insight into the innovative work that Somerset County Council has undertaken. I was pleased that those involved with the project were able to offer their time and advice so that I can take back to the Welsh Assembly how we might be able to also promote the benefits of bio ethanol."

Bio ethanol is a renewable fuel taken from agricultural crops by brewing and distillation - a process similar to alcohol production.Use of bio ethanol in the 1.8 litre Ford Focus FFV offers an overall 70 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions once the energy used in growing the crops and processing the fuel is taken into account.

In March this year, Somerset County Council hosted the Somerset Bio ethanol Conference 'From Field To Wheel' to show delegates how the County Council and its partners are tackling the issue of sustainable transport.