THE newly refurbished halls of residence at Hereford's Royal National College for the Blind will be officially opened next Tuesday, November 6.

The £1.5 million upgrade has been made possible thanks to a successful fundraising campaign.

Roisin Burge, RNC Principal, said: "RNC has found that providing people with an opportunity to practice living in a safe residential environment for the duration of their studies encourages independent living and the confidence to interact socially.

"We have four halls of residence at RNC, three of which has recently undergone extensive upgrading.

"All three halls offer a real-life home setting in specially adapted accommodation enabling people to gain greater independence in the home, learning and social environment."

The newly refurbished halls feature kitchen facilities, a communal living room and en suite single rooms, providing plenty of personal space for students.