Northern Ireland Spar wholesaler Hendersons has gone green with its latest store.

The Lagan Valley Petrol Station in Co. Down has a reduced carbon footprint thanks to measures such as a rainwater harvesting system that collects surplus water for flushing toilets and an innovative roof design which helps to retain heat more efficiently.

The store also features wood cladding which helps the store blend with the surrounding Lagan Valley Regional Park as well as incorporating a 100-year-old existing oak tree.

The redevelopment is part of the Henderson Group's £10m investment in the upgrade and extension of its estate.

The architect behind the project, David Anderson, said that the design could be used when redeveloping other Spar stores.

"This is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland and shows how the design of a busy forecourt site can fit with the environment and not compete with it," he said.