A probe has been launched between Hunterston and Sellafield nuclear power stations over a faulty fuel flask.

The matter was raised at a recent public briefing in relation to nuclear matters, held at The Waterside Hotel.

A spokesperson for Hunterston B said: "An investigation has been carried out after inspection of a fuel flask arriving from Sellafield identified loose material present at the bottom.

" Hunterston B followed its procedures and immediately informed the environment regulators - the Scottish Environment Protection Agency."

It was also pointed out at the briefing, attended by nuclear regulators, and local community councillors, that the arrival of this material on site represented a 'non-compliance' with the site’s environmental permit.

The spokesperson added: "We are working with both the regulator and Sellafield to establish how this can be avoided in the future."