Motorsport in general has been the target for much criticism regarding its damage to the environment and contribution to greenhouse gases.

The Specsavers-sponsored team made the decision to take responsibility for some of the pollution caused by their modified 1,400cc Mini and support vehicles.

The team worked with the CarbonNeutral Company who calculated the carbon dioxide emissions of the race car, chase car, reconnaissance vehicle, service vehicle and all personnel.

The company ensures that the carbon dioxide emitted is balanced out by support for international projects to save equivalent amounts of the gas.

The team's environmental efforts will result in the planting of hundreds of trees at Patervan, Lanarkshire.

As the trees grow, they will absorb the same amount of greenhouse gas carbon dioxide as the team produces during a single rally season. The team will also help support a Methane Capture Project in Germany.

Simon, who came up with the initial idea to clean up the team's image, said: "As a team, we should be responsible for the carbon dioxide we emit, and recognise the harm caused by those emissions."

The team recognises that planting trees is not the answer to global warming and that their small contribution is not going to save the planet, but they nonetheless feel they are responsible for doing their bit.

Hayley said: "People assume that because we race on the rally circuit, we pay no attention to the environment - well it's not true.

"Just because we love motorsport doesn't mean we have no respect for the planet."

The team will next be in action in the BTRDA Asphalt Championship at Millbrook next month.