Campaigners fear the new fuel will lead to health problems

The Environment Agency has announced the Drax power station in Selby can use a blend of petcoke and coal for an 18-month trial period.

Local people have campaigned against the so-called "dirty fuel" being used, claiming it will affect their health.

An agency spokesman admitted the introduction of petcoke will lead to an increase in sulphur dioxide emissions but said the plant must keep them within existing limits.

Monitoring programme

The power station currently supplies almost 10% of the electricity used in England and Wales.

Environment Agency manager Gerard Morris said: "We recognise the concern people have over the possible impacts on health.

"We have informed the operator that the trial would only go ahead once we have an agreed monitoring programme.

"We will organise a meeting in the New Year to explain the details of the monitoring programme and the trial."