THE Forest’s biggest employer, a local school, an award-winning community and one of the area’s major tourist attractions were on the itinerary for the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire when he visited Coleford last week.

Mr Edward Gillespie was in Coleford on Tuesday (November 12) at the invitation of Mayor of Coleford Cllr Nick Penny.

He visited the Lucozade Ribena Suntory factory where he was told about a £13 million investment by Suntory in the plant.

Manufacturing director Chris Scott told him: “We are currently building a new production line from a £13millon investment from Suntory, enabling us to produce a wider range of product, driving our ambition to having 100 per cent of our plastic packaging, reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.

“By 2030 we are seeking to reduce CO2 emissions by 20 per cent, reduce water consumption by 15 per cent and use 100 per cent sustainable packaging.

“We’re a passionate and innovative team and each and every one of us has a part to play in making our business a success. We have iconic brands which are among the nation’s best loved soft drinks: we have Ribena – as the number one juice drink brand in the UK, the unmistakeable taste of Ribena has been loved by the nation for over 75 years.

“Made from 100 per cent British blackcurrants, it’s the biggest- selling blackcurrant brand in the UK and accounts for 90 per cent of the British blackcurrant crop.

“The Coleford factory is part of the Suntory Group which employs more than 42,000 people world-wide with the Forest plant employing 330 people.”

At Bells Field, Mr Gillespie met the team behind the project which recently won an award from the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England.

The scheme comprises a wildlife garden with pond area, amphitheatre performance space, multi-use games area, skate park, bike pump track, trim and balance trails, accessible pathways from improved entrances, an amenities building and off-road car parking.

The Coleford Town council project has also been included in a guide to best practice by the National Association of Local Councils.

Mr Gillespie also visited St John’s Church of England Academy where he met the acting headteacher Joanne Peaper who told him the school is embracing new ideas to use the Forest for learning.

The school is developing an ‘enquiry curriculum’ where each of the year groups has at least one opportunity a year to explore local history or geographical features.

He also had the opportunity to speak to the Great Oaks Hospice’s Sheila and Ceri Evans at the Amici restaurant.

The last visit of the day was to Puzzlewood, where he was given a tour by managing director Helen O’Kane, who is also co-chair of Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tourism.

As well as being a major tourist attraction, Puzzlewood has established itself as a location for TV and film, hosting productions such as Dr Who and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.