Up to 70,000 brand new cars will be shipped in and out of the country via Eurotunnel after a new deal was agreed in a bid to slash carbon emissions.

It will see thousands of Toyota vehicles transported between the motor manufacturer's factories in Derby and Valenciennes in northern France via the Channel route which links Cheriton with Coquelles.

Those behind the deal say it will save 8,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions by shifting from road to rail.

The six-year contract was agreed between vehicle logistics specialist the CAT Group and Getlink, parent company of Eurotunnel.

CAT says it anticipates six weekly crossings as part of the arrangement.

Yann Leriche, CEO of Getlink, said: "We are delighted with the launch of this new service, which demonstrates once again that the Channel Tunnel is a truly vital link in an international supply chain which is moving towards reducing its carbon footprint.”

Jean-Christophe Deville, Toyota Motor Europe vehicle logistics director, added: “The start of this rail freight link marks an important milestone for Toyota as we seek to gradually reduce carbon emissions over time by improving operations with innovative and durable solutions. We have an ambitious plan to expand our use of rail freight, which will bring additional benefits to our customers with reduced delivery times.”