Council workers are plugging into a greener future with what they say is Sussex's first all-electric van.

Mid Sussex District Council has spent £7,000 on the new vehicle, which has a top speed of 60mph, a range of 40 miles and running costs of just 2p a mile.

It will be used as a pool car for workers to run errands, go on site visits and carry out inspections.

At the end of a busy day, the van, a Citroen Berlingo, is hooked up to the mains to recharge its batteries overnight.

The petrol-free motor runs without produce emissions which contribute to global warming.

Karen Picksley, the council's environment co-ordinator, said a £2,000 Government grant had helped with the cost.

She said the van could get around town and just about make the round trip from the council's offices in Haywards Heath to East Grinstead.

She added: "We envisage staff catching the bus, walking or cycling into the office and then booking the van if they need to go out during the day.

"At the moment it's a pilot project but if it becomes a runaway success we'll have to look at taking it further and investing in more vehicles."