THE man behind songs such as Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You Up' or Kylie's 'I Should Be So Lucky' has visited Somerset to take part in a new project - but it isn't related to music. 

Pete Waterman, a record producer and songwriter, attended Bridgwater & Taunton College to encourage students to get involved in restoring a steam engine he sold to JJP Holdings South West Ltd. 

Mr Waterman is a keen collector of steam trains and sold the engine, a GWR Castle class 4-6-0 7027 Thornbury Castle, to the company which owns businesses across Somerset, including bus services and the transport provision for Hinkley Point. 

The collaborative group, which includes the engine’s new owner Jonathan Jones-Pratt, Ian Coleby (West Somerset Railway Chairman), Pete Waterman and many volunteers, met at Bridgwater & Taunton College to discuss plans moving forward, and how the college and its students could get involved in the restoration project, which may take five to six years dependant on funding.

JJP Holdings owner, Jonathan Jones-Pratt, said:“We have a vision to show the students at Bridgwater & Taunton College how we can get this engine back on the main line network. It’s a great pedigree engine, and we want to open up this opportunity to the students with a new energy.

“We’ll create a legacy, with skills development, work experience and Apprenticeships, and promote the industry as an attractive career and bring these skills back into the UK.”

Somerset County Gazette:

The team set to be involved in the project.

The group was taken on a tour of the relevant facilities in the college – the Energy Skills Centre, Advanced Engineering Centre, Motorsport Workshop, Automotive Accident/Repair and Heavy Vehicle Centre, by assistant prinicpal for construction, autmotive and engineering, Jason Kilduff.

The pop legend said: "I think the project will fit great. This is perfect – all these skills you’ve got here are fantastic.”

Head of employer relations at the college, Liz Redwood, added: “This is such an exciting project and we are really pleased to be involved.”