Former employees of Sellafield Visitors’ Centre are being invited to attend a reunion next month.

The popular centre, operated by BNFL, was officially opened in 1988 by Prince Philip and went on to become one of West Cumbria’s biggest tourist attractions.

The £5million attraction, which operated for 20 years, was demolished earlier this year.

Now a reunion is being organised which former members of staff are encouraged to attend to share their memories and reminisce with old colleagues.

A Facebook page called the Mighty Atom Reunion has been set up, which organisers say has received a lot of interest.

Christine Parker, who worked as a supervisor at the centre, is helping to organise the reunion.

She said: “I had the best years of my life there.

“I really, really enjoyed it. I worked with the best bunch of lads and lasses.

“They were great staff. I loved it.”

In 1995 the Visitors’ Centre had a multi–million-pound refurbishment reflecting BNFL’s evolution from an almost wholly UK-based business to a major player in the international nuclear services marketplace.

The revamp catapulted the attraction into the future with a kaleidoscope of the latest science and technology and spectacular laser shows designed to enthral people of all ages.

The Mighty Atom was recognised as one of the centre’s mascots who rode overhead on a nuclear transport flask, telling the story of recycled spent fuel.

In 2002, BNFL handed over creative control of the exhibition to the London Science Museum.

By the time the doors finally closed at the centre in 2008, it had attracted over two million visitors and with the formation of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority in 2004, the focus at Sellafield had once again shifted, this time to the clean-up of the nuclear legacy.

The reunion is being held at Egremont Rugby League Club, on Saturday, July 13, from 7pm onwards.

People are also asked to bring any photos they may have of their time working at the visitors’ centre that can be put on display.

Any former employees who would like to attend the event, which costs £8.50, should call 07701039751 or email d.ydm04@gmail.com

The money will cover the cost of a buffet, as well as a small contribution to charity.