A DORSET chippy has decided to go green, by installing new equipment designed to slash its carbon footprint by 10.6 tonnes a year.

Harlees Fish and Chips says it has invested in new frying technology and solar energy at its takeaway in Manor Road, Verwood.

Richard Long, Harlees director, said: "As a local business we need to do our bit to reduce our impact on our local community and beyond.

"After 17 years it was time to invest in a new frying range.

"Not only do these changes help the environment but the efficiencies will also shorten cooking times and increase quality."

The new equipment is part-funded by a grant from the Low Carbon Dorset organisation.

Designed by Kiremko, the new frying range boasts a gas efficiency level of 94 per cent, which is the highest level in Europe for such an appliance.

Harlees hopes advances in technology will also mean a 40 per cent reduction in cooking oil waste.

A spokesman for the company, which owns six fish and chip restaurants and takeaways, said: "The family run business has invested into new frying technology and solar energy at the Verwood shop.

"The installation of six solar panels to the shop also aids the reduction in the shops carbon footprint, supplying any additional energy to the national grid.

"The business is reviewing other ways it can improve its impact on the environment, from changes to packaging to products served."

Funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Low Carbon Dorset helps businesses, community, and public sector organisations in Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole.

A spokesman for the organisation explained: "The programme is run by Dorset Council (DC) and the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It aims to help improve your energy efficiency, increase the use of renewable energy, and aid the development of new low carbon products."