A SIXTH form college is set to train the next generation of cutting-edge scientists.

New College in Walcot has become a Centre of Vocational Excellence for applied science and biotechnology.

It will mean the school using a combination of information technology and biology to drive improvements in healthcare, genetics, pharmaceuticals, nursing, sport science and food technology.

Principal Graham Taylor said: "New College is really excited by the prospect of becoming a CoVE. This is where a lot of the action is at the moment.

"We have a great science team here and by working closely with business, experts in the field and multi-media companies we aim to develop relevant work-based training programmes and e-learning materials.

"We hope this will help continuous professional development but also encourage more people to take up science.

"This country needs more scientists."

n Work is beginning this week on New College's £1.5 million sports hall.

Built to tie in with the £15 million new main building, the sports centre will be open to the community in the evenings and at weekends.

Police sealed off the college yesterday morning to allow lorries to arrive packed with heavy equipment and steel poles. The building is set for completion in September.