Colourful opening by Zandra

International fashion and textile designer Zandra Rhodes was guest of honour at the opening of the new Art and Design Centre at Hills Road Sixth Form College.

She unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening of the centre, part of a £6 million redevelopment programme at the college, and gave a lecture about her own creative styles.

College principal Colin Greenhalgh said: “She is a wonderful personality and was so pleased to be here. It’s inspiring to meet someone of that calibre.” He added: “It is decorated all the colours of the rainbow and has a very vibrant and colourful feel. It seemed right to have her open it.

The opening was combined with the college’s annual lecture by a famous artist.

Mr Greenhalgh said the college had always attracted art and design students, but added: “For the first time in our history the students have the building and facilities they really deserve.”