THE new £50m Campus at Barnet College was officially opened yesterday by the Duke of Gloucester and a host of local dignitaries.

His Royal Highness unveiled a plaque which will be displayed on the Tudor House, which has stood on the site for 500 years, next to the new building in Wood Street.

A host of local officials including MP Theresa Villiers and 20 councillors were treated to a demonstration of some of the college students’ skills, including beauty therapy and hairdressing.

A group of Nepalese dancers, many of who are taking English courses at the college, also provided entertainment whilst refreshments were provided by catering students.

His Royal Highness, who is the Queen’s cousin, said: “"What I've seen here is education with a capital E providing the training, skills and education the community needs for the 21st Century," he said.

"This is a building which will change with the needs of this training: we don't know what that will be exactly but we know this site will be up to it."

College principal Marilyn Hawkins also welcomed the new building, which opened to students last September, saying: “This official opening marked the beginning of a new era for us at Barnet College and for education in the borough and beyond.

"We're really proud of the campus, and the fact that it boasts state-of-the-art facilities on the site of historic Tudor Hall, the oldest education building in Barnet.”