A NORTH-EAST college is pushing on with a £15m development after support from a law firm.

Middlesbrough College has bought land from the Homes and Communities Agency to build a science, technology engineering and maths (Stem) centre.

College bosses were backed by real estate lawyers from Bond Dickinson, which has offices in Stockton and Newcastle.

The company has helped the college on a series of land acquisitions, which included the extension of its sixth form centre and a construction training yard.

Officials say the Stem centre will complement its existing facilities and help to address a skills gap in science and engineering.

Zoe Lewis, Middlesbrough College principal, said: “This is a very exciting project that will give us the opportunity to produce a much-needed highly-skilled workforce for the future.

Bond Dickinson's real estate partner Barbara Painter and associate John Booth advised the college.

Mr Booth added: “This is a significant deal for the college and the region.

“This acquisition is the culmination of the college’s long-standing commitment to providing superb educational facilities for the town.”