A NORTH Lancashire landmark is hoping to cut its carbon footprint by burning wood.

Capernwray Hall has installed a computerised wood fuel boiler which will use fuel from sustainable local sources, and, according to the makers, emissions from the chimney are clean enough even for smokeless zones.

Phil Burt, business director at Capernwray Hall, said: "With our large demand for heat and the soring cost of heating oil, we were keen to find ways to save money as well as minimise our impact on the environment. We considered a number of options and wood fuel was clearly the best solution."

Geraldine Smith MP said: "This is a great project and I am delighted to see it completed. Although carbon dioxide is released when the wood is burnt, when the trees re-grow they absorb the same amount of carbon so making the whole process very environmentally friendly "This technology not only helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also helps to get woodlands managed. Wood for boilers typically comes from woodland management work, or as a by-product of the saw milling industry."