STUDENTS who helped to create a new state-of-the-art college in Leominster took to its corridors for the first time last week.

More than 1,000 pupils took up work placements during construction of the eco-friendly Earl Mortimer College and Sixth Form Centre before it opened at Castlefields last week.

Officials from Herefordshire Council, which gained £20 million funding from the Building Schools for the Future programme, were also among those celebrating the first stages of completion.

Cabinet member for education and achievement Councillor Phillip Price said: “With so many budgetary pressures on the agenda at the moment, it is heartening to know that the hard work of the school and council staff, Stepnell and all the agencies and contractors involved, have finally come to fruition and that the young people of Leominster at last have a school fit for the 21st century.”

The Learning and Skills Council, Connexions and Worcester College of Technology helped youngsters gain experience as building progressed in place of the old Minster College, while contractor Stepnell has been praised for its dedication to producing eco-friendly, low-energy buildings.

Work will now continue on insulation, heat recovery systems, ventilation and other elements in a bid to create optimum conditions ahead of the college’s full official opening in 2011.