Work on building the new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C in Somerset is gathering pace.

The scheme, which will give a huge boost to the South West economy, is on target to produce seven per cent of the UK's energy by 2025.

In a progress report, EDF Energy which has a major centre at Barnwood, says six months after contracts for the project were agreed the first concrete has been poured for the new power station galleries.

These are a network of connecting tunnels which will carry cabling and pipes.

Some three million cubic metres of earth has already been moved-more than 50 per cent of the total

Construction involves 1,600 workers on site and three million tonnes of concrete and 230,000 tonnes of steel reinforcement is being used. Some 64 per cent of the contract values are being spent in the UK.

A start has also been made on a 500 metre temporary jetty in the Bristol Channel allowing 80 per cent of the aggregate to be brought in by sea rather than by road. In fact every shipload of materials will take the equivalent of 250 lorry loads off of local roads.

Hinkley Point C project director Philippe Bordarier said: "Pouring the concrete for the first permanent structure of HPC is a significant milestone. It is the outcome of many years of preparation and hard work from all our teams and supply chain across the UK and France."

Hinkley Point C will relaunch the nuclear construction industry in the UK providing 25,000 job opportunities and 1,000 apprenticeships. Some £435 million of contracts have been signed so far with businesses in the region