It was a case of the red sign going green: Heinz agreed to take part in a day of environmental action called Lights Out Lancashire which aimed at encouraging people to save energy.

The project, co-ordinated by the Rock FM radio station, enlisted a number of high-profile employers, attractions and landmarks to set a good example by switching off illuminations for an hour.

And so HJ Heinz's giant Kitt Green plant joined forces with the likes of Blackburn Rovers' Ewood Park and Blackpool Tower to co-ordinate the big switch-off.

Company spokesman Nigel Dickey said: "We were meant to turn the sign off for an hour but we thought it more appropriate to do it for 57 minutes.

"But anyhow we were only too pleased to lend our support to this worthy environmental project and hope that it served as a reminder to other firms as well as residents that they can all do their bit to conserve energy.

"The environmental agenda is already close to our hearts and minds and we thought it would be a meaningful gesture.

"We try in every sphere of work to be eco-friendly, saving energy, saving water and introducing new, lightweight cans."