A NEW £2m teaching and learning block at St Martin's College in Lancaster received the Royal seal of approval on Wednesday.

The 'Alexandra Building' on the Bowerham campus was officially opened by Royal visitor Princess Alexandra.

The Princess, who is the Chancellor of the College, toured the impressive new facility and met children from Moorside primary school, who were being taught music, as well as St Martin's students learning clinical skills.

On a bitterly cold November day, she was greeted by the Mayor of Lancaster, Cllr John Day, the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire Lord Shuttleworth and the Bishop of Carlisle before unveiling a plaque to formally inaugurate the landmark development.

"We are very proud of the new building, which provides designated areas for the business and community enterprise unit at St Martin's and two ground floor clinical skills laboratories," said Principal Prof Christopher Carr.

"It is just one of several new developments, not only in Lancaster but also on our Ambleside and Carlisle campuses.

"We have invested a substantial amount of money into our facilities and will continue to do so to provide the best experience for our students."

The event was also part of the college's 40th anniversary celebrations, with St Martin's founder Principal Dr Hugh Pollard invited to attend the opening.