STUDENTS of Ansdell's fire-hit college could see their courses move to Lytham, according to their head of campus.

Pam Cadden, head of hairdressing, beauty and related therapies at Blackpool and The Fylde College, confirmed the college is looking at a site in Lytham, with a view to moving some courses there, but that 'nothing definite has been agreed'.

Marketing manager, Andy Iredale, added: "The college is investigating a range of premises that are available for immediate occupation in the Blackpool and Fylde area. When the ideal facility is found, the college insurers have authorised us to install all the specialist equipment needed to deliver full hair and beauty training in the new year."

He added: "The college's loss adjusters have advised that the main building will probably not be available for occupation before July 2005. An investigation is still under way as to whether the existing building can be refurbished or if a new building is required."

He said that could lead to 'an even better facility' for students starting in September 2005.

The college was forced to rehouse its courses after the top floor of its Ansdell campus - a dedicated health and beauty site - was gutted by fire last Tuesday, wrecking hairdressing, sports and beauty therapy training salons, classrooms and a specialist library. Fire investigators were still at the scene this week trying to pinpoint the exact cause of the blaze, although a fault seated-style salon hairdryer was seen 'sparking and smoking' prior to the building being evacuated.

Despite the extensive damage to the Church Road site, students returned to college this week, many studying in Ansdell's undamaged canteen and art building.

Pam Cadden said: "All the students are back in this week and they are all on the normal timetables. For four weeks students are just going to do the theoretical side, and the practical lessons they will pick up after Christmas.

"Overall we have probably got in the region of four to five hundred students that we are having to accommodate. Our main thing was to make sure that the students completed their qualifications and that they can progress. Everyone is working really hard to make sure that happens."

Higher education courses have been temporarily moved to the Bispham campus, Ashfield Road, further education courses are staying at Ansdell, and apprentices who would normally study at Ansdell on day-release will study at work instead until Christmas.

"I think the students are really glad they're back. I think they'd heard all sorts of rumours, including that they were going to have to study in Preston," she added.

Students affected by the fire are also being supported by student service officers, a college chaplain and trained counsellors.

The fire also failed to stop the college pressing ahead with its plans for a further and higher education open day yesterday (Wednesday).

Ahead of the event, a college spokesman commented: "Staff will be on hand to explain how we'll continue to provide excellent training."