Education was in focus this week as the East Antrim MLA Ken Robinson welcomed the official opening of the latest phase of improvements at the Newtownabbey campus of the Northern Regional College in Co Antrim.

Marking the completion of the £10m building phase at the Shore Road facility he said: "Further Education represents a vital opportunity for our young people to develop their knowledge, skills and expertise in those areas which will hopefully lead to the upturn of economic recovery," said the Ulster Unionists politician.

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"The vision and dedication of the staff to this task is now matched by this modern facility which will enable the students to continue to develop the excellent levels of attainment for which Newtownabbey College and the now rebranded NRC has a well deserved reputation for."

Speaking after the newly Department of Employment and Learning Minister, Danny Kennedy, unveiled a plaque to mark the event Mr Robinson said: "As a former Governor of the Newtownabbey College I was pleased to be present at the opening of the first phase by the then Prime Minister Tony Blair and now at this most impressive £10m investment second phase opened by our own devolved Minister.

"This building is a vital part of the educational fabric of Newtownabbey and the wider area which is now served by this campus and it represents a strong vote of confidence in the potential of our young people," he said.

(BMcC/GK)