NATURE conservation charity the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has taken delivery of a small fleet of brightly-painted promotional vehicles.

Five Vauxhall Combos have each been decorated with an image of a favourite British bird, painted by renowned wildlife artist Mike Langman.

RSPB marketing director Karen Rothwell said: 'The vans will be an invaluable aid to raising our profile at public events this summer. An important element to our choice of these vans was the level of fuel economy and low emissions, which is crucial for an organisation like the RSPB which takes its transport policy seriously.'

The Vauxhall Combos, supplied by Lisles Motor Repairs of Hitchin, Hertfordshire, have been modified with raised suspension, making them suitable for off-road use while at county shows and events at nature reserves.