A COLLEGE has officially opened its new resource centre packed with the latest computer equipment.

The facility, based at Durham Sixth Form Centre's campus at The Sands, contains a library, computers for students and staff, and viewing rooms.

It is part of a £2.5m improvement scheme to be carried out over two years to provide students at the centre and Durham Gilesgate Sports College - of which the sixth form centre is part - with the best facilities for learning.

The resource centre was officially opened last night by a former deputy head of the school, Brian Hunter.

A new entrance, reception area and conference suite at the school's campus in Bradford Avenue, Gilesgate, was also officially opened by Walter Heron, the school's chairman of governors.

The development has been funded by the school and Durham County Council.

School head Mike Brett said: "I am delighted that the school, working with the county council, has managed to secure funding to provide the very best facilities for our students.

"I am also sure that the residents of Durham are delighted that the old post office - a dilapidated building on The Sands - has been removed as part of the project.

"We are not standing still though. The next phase of development includes further upgrading of the Gilesgate campus and the construction of a fine arts facility at the Sixth Form Centre.''

Mr Brett added that work on the next phase would start in the summer and should be complete by the spring.

Neil Foster, Durham County Council's cabinet member for education, said: "We are delighted to have been able to help the school secure funding for these new facilities.

"I have no doubt they will make a significant contribution to levels of attainment among its students and further enhance the reputation of the school itself.''

The project received funding of £624,000 from the Department for Education and Skills, which has also given the city's St Leonard's Roman Catholic Secondary School £2.34m to develop a sixth form block on its site in North End.