Brakes has signed up to use the Eddie Stobart railfreight link from Spain to bring fresh produce into the UK for its subsidiary, Pauleys.

The scheme benefits the environment by reducing the carbon dioxide emissions of the firm’s continental logistics and will have a positive commercial impact by speeding up deliveries.

Brakes is working with Eddie Stobart Rail Freight, which runs the service from Valencia via the Channel Tunnel to Dagenham.

The firm intends to extend the service to other European regions and product categories if the service is successful.

Pauleys received its first delivery in Corby last week.

Sean Negus, product supply director at Brakes, said: “Brakes’ decision to use the Stobart railfreight service was inspired by the need to reduce food road miles and increase the speed of deliveries from the continent to ensure the optimum freshness of produce. The first delivery was seamless, with the cargo arriving half a day quicker than using traditional road haulage.”