A NEW 'innovation space' has been officially opened at a Royal Naval Air Station in Somerset.

The area will make up part of the future mental wellbeing and social hub at RNAS Yeovilton, and aims to help military personnel to discover new hobbies.

The brand-new onsite facility will be a focal point for innovation at RNAS Yeovilton for all station personnel to access.

Inside, there is a variety of equipment for personnel to use, learn and create with including several 3D printers, three industrial 3D printers which can produce aluminium strength parts, a 3D scanner, a pro-laser cutter and an IT suite of desktops and laptops.

The facility is open all year round and already has current projects underway with both Commando Helicopter Force and Wildcat Maritime Force. 

Air Engineering Technician Petty Officer (PO) David Sutherland has been the main organiser to get the new space up and running.

"The innovation space will allow personnel to discover new hobbies and learn new skills such as 3D scanning, computer aided design, reverse engineering, 3D printing and laser cutting," he said.

"By bringing modern technology to station level we can empower and enable personnel to help design and manufacture solutions to problems directly affecting them in their workplaces - while most importantly, having fun doing it!"

Despite the already comprehensive set up, PO Sutherland already has plans to expand the innovation space: "There is plenty of space to grow!

"I have aspirations for the facility to delve into the use of VR and any other technology we can utilise to benefit our working environment but are also fun and engaging for club members."