IN 1960 the site which was to become the home of the south east's own nuclear power station was nothing more than a bleak expanse of windswept shingle.

But within two years its two reactor buildings were taking shape, the large turbine house was coming together and the steel dome which would hold the fission fuel was already in position.

The picture on this page shows the Folkestone and Hythe Herald's coverage in January 1962, 50 years ago.

The construction, which would last another three years, brought hundreds of jobs to Dungeness.

Visible in the background are giant cranes moving the steel into position, while in the foreground the deep pits for the water pumps were taking shape.

At the time, about 1,100 workmen were employed to complete construction, with about 400 living nearby in temporary bungalows at the east of the site.

A fleet of single and double-decker buses arrived each morning from neighbouring towns and villages with the rest of the men.

Large and spacious dining rooms were provided for those not on duty, as well as a recreation room and a small cinema.

The report in the paper at the time said: "The site is a real hive of industry.

"At the side of the area, temporary circular buildings, something like gasometers have been erected. These are welding houses, in which the large steel domes and the boiler segments are welded.

"Progress in construction of the great multi-million nuclear station at Dungeness is well up to schedule and there is every indication it will be ready for operation in 1965."

The power station was indeed ready in another three years and was connected to the National Grid.

The A site finally ceased power generation on December 31, 2006, and its destruction, due to be completed by 2018, started last week.

Back in the early 1960s, one unnamed worker was quoted in the Herald as saying: "It's been very hard work, but we enjoy it.

"It's starting to come together now, really taking shape.

"Knowing what you're doing is going to assist so many people, there's the reward."

Did you work on the construction of Dungeness A? Do you have any stories you'd like to share our readers? Call Antony on 01303 851683 or e-mail antony.thrower@KRNmedia.co.uk