A HAMPSHIRE college will launch a state-of-the-art learning centre two years early thanks to a huge cash donation.

Alton College’s Engineering and Design Technology Centre will open this autumn after Sonardyne International Ltd contributed towards the construction of the building.

Jane Machell, Alton College principal, said: “The College is enormously grateful to Sonardyne International Ltd for their huge generosity which has enabled the building works to be completed. We are also extremely grateful to a range of other donors for their contributions. We are now confident that with the help of the public, other companies and individuals, we will reach our target of £500k to fully equip the new centre.”

Damian Hinds, East Hampshire MP, patron of the fundraising appeal, said: “The UK requires over 580,000 engineers with advanced skills in the next 4 years in order to compete with other developed economies. The new centre will provide the highest standards of teaching and learning in world class facilities. It is a great prospect for Alton and East Hampshire to have such an important facility here in our area.”