VISITORS are invited to go behind the scenes and take a step back in time at a Hampshire energy facility today.

Marchwood Energy Recovery Facility is opening its doors for a special 'Wonder Open Day' to show how the energy-from-waste station works.

There will also be an exhibition of historic photographs from the 1950s dating back from when the original power station was built, which provide a contrast with modern construction methods.

The old pictures show the huge difference between the antiquated systems used in the mid 1900s and the new modern dome design.

Veolia Environmental Services will be offering those visiting a chance to see the control room, as well as educational games for younger visitors.

Facility manager Richard Gledhill said: “We think this is a great opportunity for our neighbours and local residents to come and explore what happens at our site.

“We hope people will come to meet us and gain an inside view on how we are working behind the scenes on their behalf.”

The facility is part of the Project Integra network of waste management infrastructure, designed to handle Hampshire's household waste and recycling.

Only 10 per cent of the county's household waste is sent to landfill and the company says it is committed to protecting the environment of the communities it operates in.

For more details email hampshireenquiries@veolia.co.uk or call 0203 5673083.