A new 'state-of-the-art' Security Operations Centre has officially opened at Burnley College.

The facility was unveiled by Abena Oppong-Asare, the Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office.

The centre will help students and professionals in Lancashire gain skills to tackle security challenges.

The college has also earned Gold CyberFirst status, recognising its commitment to young talent in the field of cybersecurity.

Ms Oppong-Asare was given a tour of the new facility by Burnley College principal, Karen Buchanan.

The minister was also given a chance to engage in training exercises on personal, national, and commercial security, identifying virtual spam emails, allocating security budgets, and tracking simulated hackers online.

Ms Oppong-Asare also attended a Cybersecurity Skills Carousel at Burnley College, where she learned about the importance of cybersecurity in the North West's curriculum.

She said: "I'm delighted to visit Burnley College and open the new Security Operations Centre.

"The state-of-the-art facility is an investment in the future security of Lancashire and the whole of the UK - helping to train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals."

Principal Ms Buchanan said: "The Security Operations Centre at Burnley College is a testament to our dedication to fostering innovative solutions and training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

"The minister’s visit underscores the importance of our work with companies of all sizes to train their employees, ensuring a more secure future for everyone.

"Our new facility is a beacon of innovation and partnership."