Norton Radstock College celebrated the official opening of its new multi-million pound building last week, inviting all of those who were involved in the project, educational representatives and local people to view the new facilities, with students giving guided tours.

Half of the £3 million needed for the build came from Barclays, who provided a £1.5m finance facility to assist the college's campus upgrade. The new 26,167 sq ft two-storey building has replaced the 1950's built North Side Building, with the aim of benefiting more than 1,000 full and 5,000 part-time students undertaking a range of further and higher education qualifications.

Peter Hodgson, Vice-Principal at Norton Radstock College, said: "We are seeing a growing number of young people in the area interested in taking courses at the college, so we want to ensure we are able to provide current and future students with the best facilities possible. We are delighted to have secured funding from Barclays, who have been hugely supportive of the college's developments and have worked closely with us to ensure the new building has met all our needs."

Norton Radstock College was established in 1947 in order to serve the local community involved with the North East Somerset coalfields. The new state-of-the- art building supports a range of teaching facilities, including engineering workshops and a special 'green room' to enable the college to develop its Green Skills Academy, a series of courses providing training in renewable technologies and energy efficiency in buildings.

John Squier, Barclays Relationship Director, Bath, added: "Barclays has a leading presence in the education sector supporting organisations up and down the country. The funding we have provided Norton Radstock College is just one example of how we work with our clients to structure financial solutions to support their long-term plans. We are committed to working alongside our clients to help them prosper, and nowhere does this have such a positive social impact than in the education sector, as they teach the next generation and help instil in them self-confidence and ambition."

The new purpose-built facility was officially opened on 14th November by David Medlock, Vice-Lord Lieutenant of Somerset and Pro Chancellor of the University of Bath.

The new facility also houses the college's café, giving students somewhere modern to eat. The demolition of the old, blue-roofed building took place in September 2012 and throughout the 2012–13 academic year, the new building took shape.

Mr Medlock told invited guests: "I come from an engineering company and we believe wholeheartedly in vocational training. It looks to be a first-class site, very welcoming and ideal for education in the 21st century. I congratulate all those involved."

Shirley Arayan, Principal, said: "I am very proud of what has been achieved and look forward to a future of having a completed campus worthy of the 21st century, providing great opportunities for learners; they are getting everything here they would get from a college in an inner city area."

Mr Medlock, who unveiled a plaque marking the occasion, was thanked for attending by Chris Dando, Chair of Governors.