DELEGATES from the Local Government Association National Conference who spent several hours in Wootton Bassett last Thursday, were very impressed with the PFI project to provide new premises for the town's secondary school.

The conference theme, Developing Best Practice in Education, was introduced by Peter Chalke, leader of Wiltshire County Council.

Wootton Bassett School head teacher Chris Montacute also addressed the delegates.

Afterwards he said: "The aim was to look at the PFI, Private Funding Initiative, and the new facilities which we will be able to offer here. "

The audience, which included councillors, education committee chairmen and chief education officers from many parts of the country, came from as far afield as Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Exeter.

Richard Lander, Wiltshire County Council's director of environmental services, explained the council's role in the PFI.

Ken Reid, director of the White Horse Partnership, detailed the advantages of private sector involvement.

The presentations were followed by a tour of the school's new campus.

Before returning to the Hilton Hotel in West Swindon, where the conference was based, delegates visited Wootton Bassett Library, which was built ten years ago.

The group toured the facilities with librarian Chris Moore, who spoke about the educational opportunities offered.

Delegates showed special interest in the Learning Access Point, a popular facility which was introduced last year.