HUNDREDS of South West Water customers gained an insight into the company's operations on free guided tours of two operational sites.

A total of 285 people looked behind the scenes at Roadford Dam and Gun Cliff Sewage Pumping Station in Lyme Regis, as part of the national Heritage Open Days programme last month.

They were invited to climb 170 steps to the top of Roadford tower at the region's largest reservoir.

Monica Read, South West Water's customer relations director, said: 'It's important we show our customers exactly how we provide such essential services to communities across the region which is why every year we support the Heritage Open Days programme and open up sites normally closed to the public.

'Thank you to all our customers who turned out to see and hear more about the complex operations we carry out every day in order to deliver high standards of service, from secure drinking water supply through to safe disposal of treated waste water.'

Steve and Karen Burgess-Allen from Tavistock, said: 'It was a marvellous visit with thorough, knowledgeable guides who were happy to answer loads of questions. We really enjoyed our visit and were given plenty of opportunities to take photos at the top of the tower.'