THE tuc tuc, a three-wheeled vehicle known as a rickshaw and seen mainly across Asia, took to the streets of Brighton last week and making sure they met British safety standards were two natural gas conversion directors from Bidford.

Derek Northcott and Dale Firkins of Green Conversions on Bidford Industrial Estate were approached by the executive director of TucTuc Ltd, Dominic Ponniah, this year as they specialise in converting vehicles to run on natural gas.

The Green Conversions business partners have modified vehicles to make them environmentally friendly and were delighted to be involved in the project.

Mr Northcott said: "Dale and myself are two people who have gained a lot experience of vehicles running on alternative fuels that either run on LPG or natural gas.

"When this company TucTuc Ltd, named after the spluttering sound the rickshaws make because of their two-stoke engine, approached us we were more than happy to oblige.

"Our technicians David Hunt and Gerald Ballinger have converted the vehicles to run on compressed natural gas. "

Green Conversions have ensured these fuel efficient motors have met with the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency standards by fitting seat belts and a roll cage - a steel framework that prevents minimum impact should it roll over.

The rickshaws will achieve the equivalent of 50 miles per gallon making them among the most fuel-efficient. vehicles.

Brighton is the first place in the UK to provide the service and trips cost adults a flat fare of £2.50 and children £1.50. Adults can share a rickshaw because it can hold three passengers. The service is expected to run all year on a set route.

Mr Firkins said: "The vehicles have been a bigger success than we anticipated with about 1,000 more expected to be in service in the country over the next five years."

s Company directors Dale Firkins and Derek Northcott of Green Conversions with one of the rickshaws they are converting. Each vehicle has different livery - this one is called CPU as is looks like part of a computer hard drive.