FARMERS in Cheshire could soon be harnessing the power of cow manure to fight against global warming.

A group of livestock farmers in the county is considering installing an anaerobic digester to convert farmyard manure and slurry into methane gas fuel to generate heat and electricity, which could be fed into the national grid or used locally.

The residue from the digestion also produces a nutrient rich fertiliser which can either be used as a fertiliser or sold as a soil improver for landscaping.

Farm production of biogas is well established in northern Europe and makes a contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Howard Hughes of Berry's, who is consulting with farmers on the project, said: "There is a real prospect that farm-based digesters could be a viable option for some farmers and farmer groups.

"The option of carting their slurry to a centralised digester to be converted into energy looks increasingly attractive."

The case for the scheme has been widely accepted and MP Hilary Benn announced a £10million fund for demonstration plants at last month's NFU annual meeting.

Anaerobic digesters will be discussed at Muck North West, a new event for the region being held on Tuesday, March 18 at Reaseheath College, Nantwich, from 10am until 4pm.