Glimpses of the former RAF Harwell, pre-war Berkshire and nuclear research carried out over nearly half a century are part of a video history of Harwell Laboratory.

The two one-hour video recordings produced by the Atomic Energy Authority are based on historical research carried out by Nick Hance, the UKAEA's public relations manager, who began the project to mark the 50th anniversary of the research centre in 1996.

The history has also provided information which surveyors and architects needed for the redevelopment of the site as a hi-tech business centre, including work on decommissioning nuclear plant and cleaning up chemical and wartime munitions dumps.

Mr Hance said so much long-forgotten material about the site came to light that the project gained its own momentum, with many people writing to him about their memories and ex- periences.

What was formerly the Atomic Energy Research Establishment -- AERE -- spawned many other research centres including Culham Laboratory, the neighbouring National Radiological Protection Board and Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton.

Mr Hance said: "The Harwell-Chilton sites have been a landmark for generations and I regularly talk about the history to local groups."

"The videos provide an opportunity to remember the pioneering history of the site."

To buy copies of the videos, call 01235 436909.