The new 'Concorde at Filton' visitors centre finally opened its doors for the first time today, welcoming in the very first of a long list of expectant public onto its premises as fare-paying visitors.

The first twenty four visitors were welcomed by twenty members of the volunteer group belonging to the Bristol Aero Collection, and were somewhat outnumbered by members of the media! The volunteers, including lifelong fans Rosie Thompson, Paula Soar, Andy Treweek, Lynette Hopkins, Martin Slade, Ken Hand, Betty Samuels, and Frank Nutbeen, along with the mercurial Oliver Dearden and Manager Ed Chambers, were all excited to be welcoming their first visitors to the centre at Filton, Bristol, where she was built.

One of the first to go on board was Steve Jones aged 38, from Yate. He said: "It was smaller inside than we'd thought. We never expected to get on the first tour of this wonderful plane. "My children watched her fly in to Filton last year and they really wanted to come and take a look inside. It was a wonderful experience."

Also in the first group of visitors was David Burnell, aged 43, also from Yate. He said: "I felt quite emotional when we went on board. "I grew up watching her and my life-long regret was not flying in her, but today has really made up for that and I'm glad I've had the chance to see her and get inside. "She was a 20th Century aircraft inside a 21st Century body, but it's such a pity she was taken out of service."

Tickets cost £12.50 for adults, £10 for OAPs and students, and £7 for under-16s, with prices inclusive of a booking fee and UK postage. The booking hotline - 0870 3000 578 - will be open from 9am to 9pm on weekdays and 10am to 5pm at weekends and on bank holidays. Visitors can also book online at www.concordeatfilton.org.uk