LIGHTING and equipment for Southern Water is being powered by gas produced by Ashford's sewage treatment process.

It generates power for the wastewater treatment works in the town. The excess energy will be used to power the company's headquarters in Sussex.

There is enough current to light 5,000 light bulbs or power 500 computers and monitors each working day for a year.

Martin South, Southern Water's energy manager, said: "We recognise the importance of green electricity to the environment and are investigating the possibility of developing further, similar systems at other waste water treatment works."

The system is also being used in Tunbridge Wells.