BIRMINGHAM City Council has taken delivery of 12 Vauxhall Astravans and a Ford Transit van, all powered by liquefied petroleum gas. The vehicles will be used by the council's pest control and Birmingham City Laboratories.

The change-over is expected to save £7,000 a year in running costs. Cllr John Chapham, cabinet member for sustainability and public protection, said: 'The city council has pledged to convert all its 150 small vehicle fleet to LPG and this is the first step.'