Designed and built totally in-house by the Derby-based company, the machine - currently the largest turf installer in the world - enables them to install turf in widths up to 2.6m (8.5ft).

The tractor-mounted machine is similar in design to Talbot's previous one, which could lay turf in widths up to 1.2m (4ft), requiring more than 600 large rolls at 40mm (1.5in) thick to cover a standard size football pitch.

The Turfporter IV reduces this to around 275 rolls, at the same time cutting the installation time for a playing surface to one day.

The machine is complemented by the Talbot easi-knit 2 which ensures evenly tight joints and properly installed turf ready for immediate use.

The last seven months have seen Talbot install instant play turf in England, Ireland, Poland and Sweden.