Lib Dem candidate Claire Sully has pledged her support to Bridgwater & Taunton College to 'inspire the next generation'.

She met with principal Andy Berry and Matt Tudor, director of strategy and partnerships, during a recent visit to the Bridgwater campus.

The aim was to to familiarise herself with the work being done at the college and voice her commitment to prioritising people at the next general election.

The college, the largest educational provider in Somerset, has been announced as the education and skills lead for the Gravity smart campus project near Puriton.

Agratas, a subsidiary company of the Tata group, is set to build a £4 billion gigafactory on a large section of the site, creating 4,000 jobs.

Its total investment includes £150 million for infrastructure improvements, notably training for workers to occupy the newly formed positions.

Ms Sully says people from the Bridgwater constituency must benefit from the investment in upskilling and the college will continue to be recognised as an upskilling and training hub.

She said: "Bridgwater & Taunton College are leaders in employment engagement, with a national reputation.

"They are the ideal educational provider to lead on skills training for the region.

"Bridgwater & Taunton College is supremely situated to be the focal point in offering the crucial services to help make the Gravity project flourish, while offering life-changing prospects for local residents.

"The college is a very positive partner to Gravity as part of the local development order and integrated skills charter and will be leading the skills task force for the campus as a whole."

"The college’s track record is impressive, and I would be proud to champion their work in Parliament as your new MP.

"The huge investment from the Gravity Smart Campus provides an unprecedented moment for us to offer prosperous opportunity for our local people and I am determined to make that happen.

"I believe it is crucial that we support young people and adults who are in deprived wards, improving their life chances.

"With the quality of education provided by Bridgwater & Taunton College, Bridgwater and surrounds will be the industry hub in supporting the UK’s clean energy growth agenda."

Ms Sully is running for Parliament against Conservative candidate Ashley Fox and independent Pele Barnes.

The Labour Party has not yet announced its candidate for the constituency.