A SCHOOL is gearing up for the celebrity opening of its new facilities.

BBC chief news correspondent Kate Adie will perform the opening at Woodham Community Technology College, in Newton Aycliffe, on July 11.

The facilities are not only for the use of staff and students at Woodham, but also for the whole community.

As part of the refurbishment programme, the college has extended its computer provision to four rooms.

One of the first initiatives has been to establish a free basic computer course, IT for Absolute Beginners, to introduce students to word-processing and spreadsheets. The course is run in collaboration with Bishop Auckland College.

As the name suggests, the course is for beginners and covers the very basics of switching on, finding your way around, and using the basic functions of a personal computer.

There are four courses running, and all are full, with the maximum uptake of 12 students on each. Ages of participants range from the early twenties to early seventies.

The college would like to work in partnership with the local community and industry to become a focal point for learning in Newton Aycliffe. A spokeswoman for the college said: "In a constantly changing world, we now have a greater need to keep on learning as we go through our lives. That is why Woodham wishes to offer a comprehensive range of courses to suit the needs of everyone who wishes to learn."

Perstorp Warerite, one of the college's sponsors, provided the materials to equip a dedicated information technology suite to enable local industry to use college facilities to train their staff.

This is used by students for individualised computer work in mathematics, and is an ideal venue for local businesses to use as a training centre.

The room is fitted with 12 networked computers with Internet access. Facilities include an interactive smartboard.

The use of projectors, audio-visual and other specialist equipment can also be arranged.

Anyone wishing further information should contact Marie Adamson, community development coordinator, or Bill Robson, Community ICT training manager, at the college on (01325) 300328.

People can also visit the college's stall at Aycliffe Show tomorrow.