THERE was a double celebration at the Hinkley Point visitor centre in Bridgwater as it welcomed its 20,000th visitor on the second anniversary of the doors being open to the public.

As well as catering for those interested in nuclear power and visiting Hinkley Point B, the visitor centre at Angel Place shopping centre brings together different strands of EDF Energy's business.

It provides information on Hinkley Point C and regularly hosts public engagement sessions on the project and future careers.

In November the centre played host to a nationwide campaign designed to change the perception of engineering among young people.

Led by Engineering UK, Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, was organised to promote the engineering opportunities for young people and to encourage them to become the everyday engineering heroes of the future, with the event attracting over 350 people.

Sherryl Clapp, visitor centre co-ordinator, said: “The first two years have really shown the value of the visitor centre to the local community which has made great use of the facility, either through wanting to know more information about nuclear power or raising a customer query.

“The visitor centre and what it offers has been instrumental in strengthening our ties with the community here in Somerset and we look forward to welcoming our next 20,000 visitors.”