A new fleet of 100% electric Nissan Leaf taxis has gone into service in Blackpool.

The 12-strong fleet of Leafs has been introduced by Premier Cabs and will operate in and around Blackpool and neighbouring Lytham St Annes on a 24-7 basis.

The company, which ordered the cars through Chorley Group, expects to replace more of its 170-strong fleet with the British-built models and its sister vehicle, the e-NV200 Combi in the months ahead.

Each vehicle will cover up to 55,000 miles a year in the course of covering around 200 fares per week.

Managing director John Cutler, said: “We’ve done the maths and we know the LEAFs will save the business money but that wasn’t the main factor in our decision.

“We wanted to do something special for our customers and for the town and this really fits the bill.

“This gives Blackpool a fleet of clean, green and very comfortable taxis that passengers will love and the town can be proud of.”