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Most Remote Fuel Station

 

Most Remote Fuel Station

This fuel station is a staggering five kilometres underground and is thought to be the most remote in Britain.

The lone diesel pump is deep down in the depths of a gypsum mine and it is 300ft below ground - but a five kilometre drive from the entrance of the mine.

Ian Shipley, a full-time photographer, from Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, was intrigued by the mine after he flew over it when doing some aerial photography.

He loves exploring and photographing difficult to reach places and so he asked to be shown around Fauld Mine which is near Burton on Trent.

He said: "We were driving along in total darkness - except for the headlights on the Land Rover.

"We''d been going down tunnels for mile after mile when suddenly we came across the most bizarre petrol station. It was like an oasis in the desert.

"Suddenly you see strip lights and a diesel pump and a raised concrete platform - just like any other regular petrol station.

"All that's missing are the chocolate bars and drinks on sale.

"I think it has got to be the most remote fuelling station in Britain - if not the world."

He added: "I see photography as painting with light but there is absolutely no light down in the mine. So I was delighted that these photographs came out so well."

About eight vehicles use the pump in the mine which is used by British Gypsum. Gypsum is used to make plaster and plasterboard.