MOTOR magnate Sir Tom Cowie went back to school this week to officially open a new £300,000 business centre named in his honour.

The purpose-built centre at Thornhill School Business and Enterprise College, in Sunderland, was built with a £50,000 donation from Sir Tom's company, North European Services, towards the school's successful specialist status bid.

The Sir Tom Cowie Business Centre includes conference suites and up-to-the-minute multi-media facilities which will be open to Thornhill pupils and about 500 primary pupils from feeder schools.

Plans to open up the centre for use by businesses and members of the community in future are being considered.

Headteacher John Hallworth said: "This fabulous new business centre is the focal point for enterprising learners in Thornhill and our partner schools.

"The centre also expands our commitment to adults in the community, as a full programme of evening courses is to be offered.

"It is essential that the current and future city workforce increases its business knowledge and skills base if even greater prosperity is to be achieved."