A Teesside MP cut the first turf for the construction of a £2.4m learning resource centre yesterday.

Dr Ashok Kumar, the Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP carried out the ceremony at Prior Pursglove College, Guisborough.

The building, including a drama and music studio, will coincide with the extensive refurbishment of Teesside's biggest sixth- form college.

One of its key features will be a teaching facility with 200 computers, and a multi-media virtual language lab is being planned.

College principal Stephen Whitehead said: "Prior Pursglove is already a highly successful college and we are confident that the improvements will further raise standards."