SIZEWELL B nuclear power station has been returned to full service after instruments in the control room indicated there could be a potential problem.

EDF Energy took the decision to take the plant offline in a controlled manner on Sunday morning.

A spokesman said instruments in the control room indicated there could be a potential problem with the lubrication system.

Turbine 1 was resynchronised to the national grid at just after midnight on Tuesday morning, followed by Turbine 2 at 11.43am.

Jim Crawford, Sizewell B station director, said: 'Safety is our over-riding priority. So, when the instruments indicated we could have a problem with the lubrication system, we took the conservative decision to take the station offline, while we fully investigated the problem and repaired any damage.

'This was largely done as a precautionary measure, but we were able to take swift positive action and return the power station to service within 43 hours.

'I would like to congratulate our staff and our contract partners for the professional and speedy way they dealt with this incident.'