Hanson's community open day at its Whatley quarry, near Frome, was a chance for the public to learn more about mineral extraction and how aggregates are used – as well as an amazing opportunity to get up close to some of the huge machinery on site.

Over 5,000 people attended the free open day, enjoying walking tours of the primary crusher and railhead, where a range of locomotives were on display, as well as bus tours to the floor of the quarry where they could see a loading shovel and dumper trucks in action.

There were stands featuring Hanson's apprenticeship programmes and careers; minerals, and their uses; as well as fossil finds from the quarry. There was also a display on the history of trains at Whatley and Hanson's specialists were on hand to talk about the wildlife that calls the quarry its home.

The family orientated event included children's fossil painting, the chance to try out radio-controlled machines in a model quarry and a vintage vehicle exhibition. So far, the event has also raised over £2,000 for local charity, We Hear You Cancer Counselling.

Hanson operations manager Vincent Pitt said: "We would like to thank all those who attended our Whatley quarry open day on Sunday April 23 and for the many messages of thanks we have received from those who enjoyed their visit – which is all thanks to the hard work our employees put in to make the day so engaging for our visitors.

"Interest in the event was much more than we had anticipated. Unfortunately, this meant that traffic queues built up and we apologise to those who were impacted by this or had to change their plans.

"Given the level of positive feedback we have received, we will look into holding a similar event in the future and will consider if it should be a ticketed event to avoid any disappointment."