Benfield Nissan has become the first business in Newcastle to secure Government grant status for liquified petroleum gas vehicle conversions.

It means the dealership can now offer motorists the option of applying for a grant of up to 75% off the cost of conversion.

A total of 140 UK companies have been given LPG-approved status by the LP Gas Association.

Stephen Squires, Benfield Nissan director, said: “The number of fuel stations providing LPG has doubled in the last six months, with more than 100 across the north east. We hope our grant status will be a catalyst for more motorists to make the change.”