GOVERNMENT minister Margaret Hodge branded the new £120,000 Interactive Media Centre at Corsham Media Park a vital tool for education and business when she declared it open.

The minister for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education unveiled the plaque to officially open the centre that will be used by National Diploma and HND Media Students at the college on Thursday.

She said she was hugely impressed with the facilities and believed the centre is an important facility that can teach students skills that could then be used in the job market.

"The pace of economic change is rapid and the need for skilled people is growing. This centre will allow the students to focus on their strengths and to meet the real skills needs in the area," she said.

The centre is the only one of its kind in the country and has the latest digital technology.

Richard White, the centre's manager said: "It is a very special centre and that is why the Minister came to open it. It will be a wonderful asset to local students, businesses and communities."

The centre is fully equipped with the latest technology and has 16 hi-spec, flat screen PCs that are new to the market. Students will be able to use the equipment for desktop video production and digital animation and modelling.

Mr White said: "It is a unique facility. I was really excited to get the job. It is so special for Wiltshire College to be right in the heart of the industry."

The centre gives students the opportunity to develop skills in web design, digital animation, CD ROM design and even some computer-generated image work with blue screen technology, which allows images and scenery to be projected behind actors .

George Bright, Principal of Wiltshire College said: "We are delighted to be working closely with the Corsham Media Park and it is a great honour to have our new centre launched by Margaret Hodge."

Mr White is keen to point out that the centre is not just for students.

Local businesses and communities will be encouraged to use the centre and take part in master classes. It will be available to companies and freelances who already use computers but want to develop their skills.

"They could come in and enhance the quality of their company website or use the video editing equipment at the centre," he said.

But the centre also hopes to put something directly back into the community. Mr White said: "It is an investment in the area because students will be helped to set up their own businesses and work with the existing companies.

"I am also very keen to work with parish councils, many of whom now have websites. It is a great opportunity to develop local democracy through Internet and Broadband facilities."

As well as a large computer suite, the centre has a seminar room with a data projector linked up to all the computers. "We have a smart board which is like a virtual desk top. You write on the whiteboard and it recognises your handwriting.

"It is great for brainstorming as you can print out all your notes at the end of the seminar," said Mr White.

The centre was made possible by a Government grant which helps colleges that are succeeding in a particular area.

The Government Learning and Skills Council awarded the college a £500,000 m Centre of Vocational Excellence grant for its achievement in digital and broadcast media.

"The Government recognised the quality of teaching at the college and the number of students who go directly into work or on to high profile higher education courses," said Mr White.

The Interactive Suite is now in use by Media Production and Multimedia students from Chippenham and Trowbridge College.

Mr Bright said: "This is a rapidly developing business sector nationally and in the county.

"We hope that the centre will prove a very valuable resource for the businesses and learners of the area," said Mr Bright.

lcanter@newswilts.co.uk