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Sir Richard Branson will today launch Europe's first biodiesel train as part of his Virgin rail network aiming to cut CO2 emissions by 14 per cent.

In a national trial one of the company's Voyager trains will be modified so that it uses a blended fuel for 20 per cent biodiesel, making the engine more environmentally friendly.

If the trial is successful, it could be expanded to incorporate the entire Virgin Voyager fleet, resulting in a cut in carbon emissions of nearly 15 per cent.

"This means 34,500 tonnes less CO2 being emitted into the atmosphere each year, and is equivalent to taking 23,000 cars off the road," Sir Richard said.

Chancellor Gordon Brown, who will be attending the launch of the new train, said he wanted Britain to lead the way on climate change.

"I want Britain to be a world leader in the development and use of environmentally-friendly fuels," the prime minister in-waiting said.

"I believe they will play a fundamental part in our efforts to reduce emissions and tackle climate change."

Biodiesel is produced form products like vegetable fats and other biodegradable substances which give off far less CO2 than regular diesel.