THE opening of a new classroom block at Northallerton College this week signalled the completion of a £1m expansion programme.

The 15-month project has helped to give the college twenty-first century teaching and learning facilities for its ever-growing population of 1,000 day and 2,000 part-time students.

The new block of eight classrooms, designed by local architects Michael Severs Associates in collaboration with college staff and dedicated mainly to the teaching of maths, was officially opened by TV presenter Andy Kluz on Monday.

He described the occasion as a milestone in the college's history and a hugely important development for the community as a whole. "It is clear this is a college hell-bent on keeping up with the world around it," said Mr Kluz.

The opening was celebrated with a "cake" designed to symbolise a well-known mathematical formula. It consisted of a Melton Mowbray pork pie surmounted by the formula configuration.

The expansion project, aimed at keeping pace with growing numbers at the college, includes the eight classrooms in the new block, refurbishment of a science lab and multi-media computer suite, as well as rebuilt resource centre, reception area and staff and administration accommodation.

The works have been jointly funded by the college and North Yorkshire County Council.

"The new block provides an exciting place to work and study," said vice-principal John Kelly, who spearheaded the scheme.

Principal Jennifer Slater said: "This is a fantastic occasion for us. We are so proud of our new building. It is real twenty-first century technology for a twenty-first century college. And our students deserve no less."

Mrs Slater said people were already benefiting from the new facilities and praised the courage of college governors in giving the scheme a chance. "It is a testament to their courage that they decided to go with it because it has been challenging to say the least to get the money needed," she said.

"We have had to find thousands of pounds to make this possible and the governors have fought against concerns about raising the cash."

Mrs Slater also saluted Mr Kelly. "He has led this project from the start."

She said the development was important in showing the college's total commitment to being a technology college. "This is massive step forward for us and puts us where we want to be," she said.

Mr Kluz said North Yorkshire was proud of what was being achieved at the college. "And this new block can only contribute to its success," he said.

In an earlier phase of the project, the college resource centre was remodelled and expanded to provide an extra 60 work and study stations. A new reception area was also built, as well as new administration and staff accommodation.

"This two-phase scheme is another step forward in creating a progressive learning environment worthy of our technology college status and of the community we serve," said Mrs Slater.

Guests at Monday's official opening included Hambleton Council chairman Coun Percy Featherstone, North Yorkshire County Council chairman Coun David Ashton and Coun John Dennis, chairman of the college governors