SOUTH West Water is opening its doors to one of the country's first working hydro electric power stations.

Members of the public are invited to a free tour of Mary Tavy power station on Thursday and Friday, September 8 and 9, as part of this year's Heritage Open Days.

Mary Tavy opened in 1932 and almost 80 years on produces enough renewable hydro energy to power 1,700 properties.

Ross Mitchell, South West Water's site supervisor said: 'We are delighted to, once again, give members of the public the opportunity to find out how we produce environmentally friendly energy on the edge of Dartmoor.

'The electricity we generate is exported to the National Grid and the sales offset the costs of our water treatment works and pumping stations.'

Mary Tavy now has six turbines with a combined capacity of 2,610 kilowatts.

The turbines are powered by water from the River Tavy, collected in two reservoirs on Dartmoor then sent using gravity down two pipelines to the turbines.

Parking is limited on site and places on the tours are limited, between 10am and 4pm, on both days.

Contact the South West Water communications team on 01392 443020 to book your place.