Gainsborough is set to lead the world in an important sustainable energy production system once the construction and commissioning of what is believed will be the world's largest straw pelleting plant by power generator Drax Power Limited comes on stream.

Planning approval for the plant was approved by West Lindsey District Council last year and the multi-million pound plant is due to be built on 12-acres of the 30-acre Somerby Park development; land owned by the Thonock and Somerby Estates following  the completion of the sale of the land to Drax Power.

Tom Aylmer, estate manager of Thonock and Somerby Estates, added:  "I am delighted that Drax have chosen to come to Gainsborough for this prestigious development and I hope it will be the start of a long term relationship with the town. Energy resources are a concern for all of us and finding alternatives for the future will be a growth area, I hope over time businesses based in the town can lead the way."

Stephen Bradford, partner at Hodgson Elkington, the Lincoln-based chartered surveyors, who together with Carter Jonas, are joint marketing agents for Somerby Park said, "this represents a major investment in our region and is a real coup for Gainsborough.

"The scheme once completed will produce long-lasting sustainable economic and social benefits for the town and the region. Somerby Park is clearly Gainsborough's premier employment location and we are hopeful that we will be announcing other inward investments shortly," added Stephen Bradford.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Burt Keimach said: "This is fantastic news for Gainsborough and the whole of West Lindsey."