A NEW £6.5m sixth form centre is set to offer students a brighter future after plans were approved by governors.

The new facility at Middlesbrough College will specialise in AS and A-levels for more than 300 students from across the town.

The scheme will include 13 classrooms, tutorial rooms, a student lounge and a cafe.

It also includes new sports facilities, with full size floodlit artificial pitches and a high ropes centre with zip wires.

Funded from the college's reserves, the work is due to start later this year, with the construction expected to be completed in time for the 2012 academic year.

College principal Mike Hopkins said: "The announcement of this £6.5m investment is further evidence of Middlesbrough College's determination to offer exceptional facilities and teaching to young people in the town and across the Tees Valley. The governing body's progressive decision will ensure that young people who want to study at AS and A-level will do so in an outstanding environment for learning. We shall also be providing additional sports facilities which will add to our already hugely impressive range of facilities."

The new centre, which will be built alongside the college building at Middlehaven, will create 19 full-time posts when it opens its doors.

Chairman of governors Bob Brady said: "The college had a financial surplus after its reorganisation three years ago and this provided us with a great opportunity to improve sixth form provision for the town by changing those reserves into resources.

"We are very confident indeed that the AS and A-level provision has improved beyond recognition and will continue to improve.

"The governors unanimously approved the plans and we have the full support of Teesside University and Middlesbrough Council."

Councillor Mike Carr, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for children, families and learning, said: "The college is already an iconic addition to the town's skyline, and its state-of-the-art facilities are second to none.

"This new sixth form centre will be another building block in the regeneration that is transforming St Hilda's and Middlehaven, and will provide opportunities for the town's young people for generations to come."