A £1M expansion of a “commercial hidden gem” was unveiled yesterday.

And Wallingford mayor Bernard Stone said he was “staggered” by how impressive the Fugro laboratory in Hithercroft Road, was as he attended the event.

The renewable energy company, which tests seabed samples from offshore wind developments, has doubled the size of its base as well as investing in new state-of-the-art equipment.

Cllr Stone said: “”I was really staggered at how impressive the laboratory is. It is a hidden gem in the commercial field in Wallingford.

“A lot of people don’t know what goes on but it is extremely impressive. The level of expertise, equipment and facilities it has is staggering.”