An ambitous scheme launched by a Harrogate businessman could bring cheaper fuel to the nation.

Discounts of up to ten per cent might be on the cards for millions of motorists if the UK's first collective fuel buying club can get under way.

Peter Nunn, 40, is calling on the public to join the scheme which he hopes could secure large discounts.

Mr Nunn, who himself avoids driving where possible, is hoping angry motorists all over the country will sign up for the credit card scheme in the wake of the fuel crisis.

"We will revolutionise how much European motorists will pay for the fuel," he told the Evening Press following the website's launch at the weekend.

"All people driving any form of fuel operated vehicle share the crippling price pressures recently forced upon them, so now they can so something to stop it by paying together."

Every three months, Mr Nunn is hoping to be able to negotiate discounts with oil companies and then members of the scheme, both individuals and hauliers, could take advantage of the prices using a special credit card.

He came up with the idea for the scheme in April but the launch coincided nicely with the crisis that gripped the nation leaving petrol pumps and supermarket shelves empty.

"We are all fed up with being continuously fleeced by both the Government and the oil barons. So now is the time, by harnessing the lightning speed of the Internet and its unparalleled ability to pull people with a common interest together, we are forging the most potent buying club in Europe." Mr Nunn, who also runs an Internet design firm in Harrogate, is hoping to have the scheme at www.clubpetrol.com up and running in the next ninety days and eventually hopes to expand into Europe.

A spokesman for BP, which has a number of filling stations in North Yorkshire, said: "We would be prepared to listen to any proposals of this type.

"I can foresee large logistical problems with the idea but on principle we would be interested in hearing what is on offer."