The UK’s first train to run on biodiesel has made its first journey.

Virgin Trains is trialling a Voyager train which will run on a 20% biodiesel blend over the summer.

The train will operate over the entire Virgin CrossCountry network including journeys to Bournemouth via Brockenhurst.

Virgin Trains managing director Chris Gibb said: "By converting our Voyager fleet to run on B20 biodiesel we could cut our CO2 emissions by 12 percent, bringing a saving of 34,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.

“The Department for Transport wants to see a reduction in transport's carbon emissions and we are actively playing our part to help it achieve this."