A business has been honoured and presented with a special award for its dedication to carbon reduction and environmental work.

Assington Autos is the 500th local business to be presented with Suffolk County council's Carbon Charter Award.

This is an accreditation for businesses who are committed to reducing their impact on the environment by cutting their carbon emissions, supporting their local community and developing green spaces.

The company is one of the biggest 'end of life' vehicle recycling centres in East Anglia. It was established in 2017 by Frederick Cook, although vehicles have been recycled at the same site for approximately 80 years.

Mr Cook said: "We focus on how much of a vehicle can be repurposed and recycled, rather than simply being crushed and sold on.

"Vehicles are carefully stripped down, and we're one of the first in the UK to use quieter lithium battery-powered disc cutters, rather than traditional fossil fuel powered machinery. Each component is inspected for re-use, and liquids such as oil and coolant are removed and dealt with, rather than being allowed to contaminate the natural environment.

"We're proud of what we're achieving to reduce our impacts on the environment, particularly being connected with the automobile industry, which many might view as a significant contributor to carbon emissions. We're delighted with the Carbon Charter award, as it shows we're heading in the right direction and will hopefully inspire others."

The panel from the Carbon Charter was particularly impressed that, despite significant growth in the business, Assington Autos fuel usage has remained the same and has achieved an emissions reduction of 37% in the last two years.

Assington Autos was also praised for its biodiversity efforts onsite and in the wider community, as well as activity in the local - supporting NHS workers, the local fire and rescue service, food banks and other community groups in the area.

Cllr Daniel Potter, cabinet member for environment at Babergh District Council, said: "I'd like to congratulate Assington Autos on behalf of everyone at Babergh District Council. This award speaks to the immense thought and care that the business puts in to looking after our environment, and they are setting the example for what businesses should be doing to protect the world around them.

"I would encourage as many businesses as possible to follow suit and find out what they can do to make some environmental changes and begin their carbon reduction journey."

The Carbon Charter was set up in 2010 by Suffolk County Council and the Environment Agency. Since then, it has given 738 Carbon Charter awards to 500 companies.

For businesses wanting to start on their carbon reduction journey, more information on the Carbon Charter can be found at www.carboncharter.org.