30059WILTSHIRE College staff hope their newly refurbished Warminster base will encourage more students to learn in the town.

The Wiltshire College Warminster Centre was officially opened on Friday and finally replaces temporary buildings, which have been its base since the 1960s.

West Wiltshire MP Dr Andrew Murrison cut the ribbon to open the £475,000 building, which was jointly funded by the college and the Learning and Skills Council.

Wiltshire College principal George Bright said: "I am delighted the college has been able to provide a first class facility for the people of the Warminster area.

"I hope it will attract more people to learn with us. It was very pleasing to see such support from the local community at the launch."

Dr Murrison was one of 35 guests marking the occasion on Friday alongside Warminster mayor Martin Baker.

All were impressed with the new facilities in The Avenue, which include an IT suite and three study rooms.

There is also a dedicated adult education room equipped with PCs, a staff room and a social area for students.

Dr Murrison said: "Congratulations to principal George Bright and his team at Wiltshire College for their success in bringing forward this exciting project.

"Although employment in west Wiltshire is good, we do need to improve our skills base locally. I'm sure this new facility will play an important part."

Staff are now urging would-be students to sign up and make use of the new building.