IN 2018, the man behind songs such as Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You Up' or Kylie's 'I Should Be So Lucky' visited Somerset to take part in a new project - but it wasn't related to music. 

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

As a keen collector of steam trains, Mr Waterman sold the engine, a GWR Castle class 4-6-0 7027 Thornbury Castle, to the company.

Mr Waterman, West Somerset Railway Chairman Ian Coleby and the engine's new owner Jonathan Jones-Pratt met at Bridgwater & Taunton College to discuss how students could get involved in the restoration project.

Speaking at the time, 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.”

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 principal for construction, automotive and engineering, Jason Kilduff.

Speaking in 2018, Mr Waterman 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.”