A Croydon man planning to travel the globe researching fuel use in different countries has hit his first hurdle.

The bus that Andy Pag converted to use for the trip featured an oversized fuel tank to carry the extra biofuel needed for his long and arduous journey has sprung a leak.

Mr Pag, who was due to leave this week, has now been forced to repair his green-machine before he can depart on his journey across the globe.

In his online blog Mr Pag said: “After an epic attempt to fix the small crack in the plastic fuel tank, I finally managed to weld a seal into the tank.

“At Uptown Oil we filled the tank and the weld held nicely, with a completely dry area all around.

“By the time I’d driven home the seal had failed and fuel was dripping out of the back of the plastic tank.

“Quick as a flash I drove back and drained the tank. All this at 10pm the night before I was due to leave.

“So I’m now still at home. The first part of the expedition is turning into a stay-cation, while I work out a solution.

“The tank is thoroughly embedded in the bus and to remove it I’d have to cut it into pieces, and replacing it with another one is not an option. I’d have to take a window out, and event then I’m not sure I could fit it past the toilet cubicle.”

The entire bus, including all the modifications made by Mr Pag, is carbon neutral. Everything from its insulation to its lighting is designed to use the least energy possible.