A free online calculator has been launched to help businesses evaluate the financial and carbon benefits of switching to a biomass boiler.

The tool, developed by The Mersey Forest environmental regeneration initiative, allows users to estimate how much they would earn from the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive, how quickly the boiler would pay for itself, and the expected difference in annual fuel bills.

It requires answers to a dozen simple questions, ranging from details about the current heating system, to the size and cost of the boiler being considered.

The calculator and a woodland advisory service have been funded by the Mersey Rural Leader programme, DEFRA and the Northwest Regional Development Agency. Go to www.merseyforest.org.uk/rhicalculator