A second member of the Royal Family paid a visit to Bradford yesterday, hot on the heels of the Queen's trip to the city last month.

The Countess of Wessex was the guest of honour at the official opening of a pioneering £2 million vocational skills centre at Laisterdyke Business and Enterprise College (LBEC).

LBEC Works will provide access courses in a range of hands-on subjects including motor vehicle maintenance, salon services, plumbing and engineering and technology to school pupils and adults.

Reception class pupils from Feversham Primary School welcomed the Countess to the unit with loud cheers and Union flags.

She was then given a tour of the facility, next to the Thornbury Road College, before unveiling a plaque.

In a speech to guests including Bishop of Bradford the Right Reverend David James and Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Robin Owens, the Countess paid tribute to college principal Joan Law.

She told Mrs Law: "Creating this marvellous establishment on behalf of the students has ensured they benefit from your drive and determination to make this happen.

"I wish there were more places like this around the country."

The Bishop said he was delighted the centre had been opened, as he believed it would bring people from different communities together.

He said: "Schools like this are now the centre of the community. They bring different people and faiths together."

The two-storey centre includes state-of-the-art engineering, hairdressing, plumbing, ICT and beauty salon equipment.

Year 10 and 11 students from Laisterdyke and other Bradford secondary schools have already begun courses in vocational subjects.

They include a one-year course in vehicle maintenance which leads to a pre-apprenticeship qualification.

Vehicle maintenance tutor Jim MacMahon said: "The course is designed to offer a taste of the sorts of activities that would be undertaken in a typical motor vehicle or fast-fit workshop."

The LBEC Works vehicle unit includes ramps and wheel-balancing equipment.

"It is fitted out to a higher standard than most commercial workshops," said Mr MacMahon.

From September, 20 pupils will also begin studying for a B-tec First in Retail. A one-year course, equivalent to two GCSEs, will give students a basic knowledge of retail work and see them take part in work experience with Bradford-based Morrisons.

Retail tutor David Johnson said: "It will provide an invaluable insight into the retail sector."

Funding for the centre came from Yorkshire Forward, Regen 2000 and the college.

e-mail: dan.webber@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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