TELEVISION news reporter Kate Adie has officially opened a college of technology.

Woodham Comprehensive School, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has become Woodham Community Technology College, through a £650,000 Government grant.

It was granted special status last September to remain a comprehensive school for 11 to 18-year-olds, but with enhanced information technology and technology facilities.

The first £300,000 has now been spent, including £100,000 on a computer network.

Headteacher Steven Harness said: "It's already had a significant effect on examination results, because all our year nine results were up in the first year of being a technology college. As well as extending community provision, the big aim of it is to prepare all of our young people for living in a modern technological age."

In addition, the first 48 graduates on the college's extensive community programme have just gained their certificates after starting as complete beginners.

Prime Minister Tony Blair visited the facilities last November.

Now the formal opening has been performed by Ms Adie, whose first job as a radio presenter in County Durham was a broadcast from a pigeon loft in Ferryhill.

Mr Harness said: She came along and gave an absolutely inspirational talk. She was tremendous with the children, gave us far more time than she had to, and charged us nothing."