BUSINESS secretary Vince Cable paid a visit to a North Yorkshire bus manufacturer to find out more about the firm's role in reducing emissions from public transport.

Vince Cable, secretary of state for Business, Innovation & Skills visited Optare's manufacturing facility at Sherburn in Elmet, within a week of the firm gaining low carbon accreditation for two its vehicles.

Through its work to support greener travel, Optare is the largest supplier of fully electric buses in the UK, with more than 70 currently in service across the UK.

Dr Cable's visit included a tour of the factory where he met staff and saw several buses in production.

The Business Secretary said: "Optare’s cutting-edge electric buses are in demand across the globe and exported as far away as Australia, as well as being sold throughout the UK.

"The government’s industrial strategy, developed in partnership with industry, is giving businesses such as these the confidence to invest over the long term and create high skilled jobs."

The Optare factory was officially commissioned on a visit by transport minister, Norman Baker in 2011, and now employs more than 400 people, exports its vehicles as far afield as South Africa, The Middle East and Australia, and has won awards for its market-leading technology.

Enrico Vassallo, chief executive of Optare said: "We were very honoured to welcome Vince Cable and to escort him on a tour of our facilities.

"We were particularly delighted to be able to showcase the proven technology of our fully electric vehicles as well as explain to Dr Cable our achievements in both UK and international markets and our contribution to the local and UK economy."