SENIOR Chinese Government officials made a fact finding visit to Swindon-based Scott Wilson Railways.

The delegation was led by Vice Minister Cai Qinghua from the Chinese Ministry of Railways, which visited the rail support company at Western House Swindon.

The delegation of six professional staff made the visit to evaluate rail construction and maintenance practice in UK.

The Vice Minister and his team attended presentations from Scott Wilson on some of the major rail modernisation and renewal projects with which the firm has been involved including the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, West Coast Route Modernisation, Heathrow Express, Thameslink and the Chiltern Line Upgrades.

Hugh Blackwood, Chief Executive of Scott Wilson Railways, said: "We also briefed the delegation on our rail interests outside the UK, including our work on the Dutch High Speed Line, but most particularly on the results of my recent fact-finding trip to China, where I was warmly received by the ministry."

The presentations were followed by a visit to the Swindon Outlet Village and a buffet lunch at the Steam Museum.