Plastic retractable pipework systems, the future

didn't cover him for loss of earnings.

Mr Smith said: The situation has caused me extreme worry and financial cost. With the help of trading standards and other authorities involved a major problem was diverted. Without their expertise and quick intervention the damage would have been a lot more severe.

He continued: "It is sad that I have had to call time after 28 years but upgrading the equipment on the site was just not financially viable. I would advise all forecourt owners to

To limit the risk to underground tanks site operators should carry out regular internal checks to ensure bacteria isn't present, the bacteria is easily treated once detected. If tanks lay dormant for any length of time, as they will do with LRPbeing phased out, they need to be internally examined and appropriate work carried out before they are used again. Double skinning tanks can help to safeguard tanks but regular inspections are still vital. The responsibility rests with the licensee

and with prosecution a possibility thorough checks are advisable.

Through joint working Trading Standards, the Environment Agency and Mr Smith ensured what could have been a catastrophe was avoided. Due to the distress caused by the leak Mr Smith has sadly decided not to renew his petroleum license.

By Kirsten Galvin, BEN

BEN is the Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund - the automotive and related industries' own charity & the very heart of our industry. This July BEN will celebrate its 100th birthday and mark a Century of providing care and support to the men, women & children connected to the one of the 20 industry sectors it encompasses. Employees past & present and their immediate family can turn to BEN in times of need & crisis. Part of the charity's celebrations will include National BEN Week - a campaign designed not only to raise much needed Funds but also to extend awareness of the charity amongst the our industry colleagues whilst having FUN!

Last year hundreds of our industries'

members took part in the 99th birthday celebrations and joined in the '£99 for 99 years' campaign. Industry employees were asked to simply raise £99 for BEN by whatever means they determined as fun in the week beginning July 19th, BEN's actual birthday. The support was phenomenal and the nationwide efforts, including raffles, dress down days, cycle rides and sponsored events, raised a staggering £18,000 for our less fortunate colleagues.

As this year sees BEN celebrate its 100th birthday we hope that even more of our industry colleagues will want to take part in celebrating this momentous achievement by supporting National BEN Week. With your help we hope to make this year's success even bigger and better than last year's and to encourage more of our colleagues to find out about the vital work their charity does. National BEN Week will run from 18-24th July, inclusive of BEN's actual birthday on July 19th and to mark 100 years of

care and support BEN is launching the '£100 for 100 years' campaign.

As member organisations of the APEA, BEN is your charity, so we would hope that you would help us in encouraging your colleagues to join in the celebrations this July, either by holding their own fundraising or awareness building event. BEN has put together a Fundraising Pack, which offers a comprehensive guide to planning and putting on events, sponsored activities and other fundraising activities. Included in the pack are items such as the A-Z of Fundraising, which is full of interesting ways to raise money for your charity, legal information and even posters and press release templates. To request your copy or for more information on National BEN Week please contact Lorna Russell on 01344 294 714 or email lorna.russell@ben.org.uk

Alternatively you can download the pack by visiting www.ben.org.uk

National BEN Week is a great way to show your support for your charity and, even better, it's an excuse to have some FUN!

Staff at Camberley Auto Factors enter into the spirit of the occasion by staging a back to school fancy dress day