Electricity will be powering a new generation of refuse collection vehicles if a trial in Gloucestershire is anything to go by.

Stroud District Council's waste partner Ubico has trialled an electric vehicle provided by Refuse Vehicle Solution, based in Cam, which was converted from a diesel-powered vehicle by exchanging the drive train.

The bin lifting mechanism is also powered by electricity with the technology opening the possibility of converting the existing fleet to electricity.

Council leader Councillor Doina Cornell said: "The council is carbon neutral and is aiming for the whole district to become carbon neutral by 2030 and this is just one of many ways we can cut emissions and set an example too.

"I am particularly pleased to see a local firm leading the way in this growing sector."

The vehicle was used on rounds in Stonehouse - when it performed 1,054 bin lifts and covered 55km - Wotton-under-Edge and Upton St Leonards with an overnight charge all that was needed to complete a round.

RVS managing director Spencer Law said: "Stroud District Council is one of many councils across the UK which have completed successful trials of our e-One electric re-powering solution, which converts existing diesel refuse vehicles into electric vehicles.

:We are thrilled that Stroud District Council is trialling this technology and we hope to support it in achieving its target to make the whole district carbon neutral by 2030."

Data from the rounds is being used to make comprehensive assessments which will help in making a move to electric vehicles for the fleet.