Marks & Spencer has unveiled its first Modec battery-powered, zero-emission delivery van as part of its Plan A environment-friendly overhaul.

The vehicle, which will drop goods at offices and stores in London, is expected to save approximately nine tonnes of CO2 a year.

Marks & Spencer intends to make its core UK and Ireland operations carbon neutral and will only use carbon offsetting as a last resort.

The retailer was the first to test a hybrid diesel and electric delivery van.

It also has 240 teardrop trailers in its distribution fleet, which are 10 per cent more fuel efficient and have 10 per cent greater capacity than its conventional trailers.