INTERACTIVE workshops helped students marked the opening of new facilities at West Somerset Community College.

Activities based around science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) got 1,800 students from the college and feeder schools involved as part of the INSPIRE education programme.

The new facilities at the Enterprise and Skills Centre have been launched as part of the Hinkley Ready and Hinkley Enterprise training schemes in a collaboration between EDF Energy and the college.

Principal Gaynor Comber said: “The STEM day is really exciting for the college as it raises students’ aspirations in a breadth of areas which are the future of this country.

“We are also especially grateful for all the support from EDF Energy, particularly the funding of our new facilities which allow greater workplace learning.”

Cllr David Sanders, West Somerset Council’s lead member for economic regeneration and growth, said: “The contribution these splendid new facilities will make towards equipping our communities to take full advantage of the opportunities coming our way in future through projects such as Hinkley Point C is vital.

“We are grateful for the funding and hard work that have made this possible and look forward to seeing our students reaping the benefits.”