THE launch of an initiative in Hampshire to improve the environment has been hailed as a resounding success.

Almost 300 delegates from 120 organisations across the county were at the launch of the Hampshire Natural Resources Initiative.

Businesses such as B&Q, Snows Motor Group, British American Tobacco, Onyx and BP Solar joined representatives from almost every local authority in Hampshire and a host of charity and voluntary organisations to find out how better use of natural resources can help them to save money and help protect the environment.

The event was organised by Hampshire County Council, and held at the Friends Provident St Mary's Stadium.

Saints' chairman Rupert Lowe opened proceedings before the county council's executive member for economic development, Councillor Michael Woodhall, officially launched the initiative.

Cllr Woodhall said: "The Hampshire Natural Resources Initiative is aboutmaking a real effort --with actions, not just words - to use the county's natural resources in a more efficient way.

"We often take materials such as minerals, energy and water for granted and that has got to stop.

"The fact that so many well-known organisations attended the launch to hear case studies and take part in workshops is testament to the importance they place on this initiative.

"It was inspirational to hear how some companies had improved their businesses by taking action now - for example, Centerprise in Basingstoke which reviewed its business operations and saved thousands of pounds.

"We received extremely positive feedback from those who attended, and we will be using this launch as a springboard to keep Hampshire at the forefront of the drive for more efficient use of natural resources."