Hundreds of residents surrounding a soon-to-be built battery facility in Somerset attended a community event at Bridgwater & Taunton College.

The event, which was held on April 30, was organised by Agratas, the global battery company building the facility, as part of its community-first approach and series of exhibition.

Information about the battery facility was shared, including the technology behind the electric car batteries that will be produced and the timeline for the facility's construction.

The exhibition also outlined the potential jobs that will be created by the new facility.

Up to 4,000 new jobs in diverse fields such as operations, engineering, and management will be created by what will be the country’s largest battery factory.

Agratas staff, including CEO Tom Flack, was available to answer questions and hear feedback on issues including construction, community benefit, landscaping and design, sustainability, and jobs and skills.

The event also hosted Bridgwater & Taunton College students who received an exclusive preview and a behind-the-scenes tour.

Mr Flack also explained the multi-billion-pound investment, career advice for those wishing to enter advanced manufacturing jobs, and the training that will be available for young individuals aiming for a career at Agratas.

Bridgwater Mercury:

Tom Flack, CEO, Agratas, said: "Since announcing that Somerset would become home to our new battery facility, our top priority has been to meet some of our new neighbours.

"My team and I were delighted to see so many residents and I’m grateful to the college for an excellent event."

The new battery facility could provide almost half of the projected battery manufacturing capacity required by the UK automotive sector by 2030.

It is a major boost to the local economy by creating jobs and providing an opportunity for residents to engage directly with Agratas and understand more about the project, according to Cllr Liz Leyshon, deputy leader of Somerset Council.

This was the third of five events organised by Agratas, with two still scheduled to take place at Puriton Village Hall on May 1 from 6pm to 8pm, and on May 2 at Bitham Walk Hall, Woolavington, from 6pm to 8pm.