A SECOND agricultural college has announced major investment and changes following a merger.

Kirkley Hall, Ponteland, has invested £200,000 in a new learning resource centre following its union with Northumberland College.

It has also announced its decision to quit dairying, pumping the capital released into a new beef enterprise and further development of its existing sheep interests.

The college is in discussions with the University of Newcastle for students to have access to its dairy unit for practical training.

The news of the changes follows Houghall College, Durham, announcing investments of £1.5m since its merger with East Durham Community College.

Kirkley's new resource centre includes state of the art facilities including 20 computers and the Internet. Housed in the grade 2 listed former stable block the college has worked closely with local planners.

Its appearance has not altered and the hall's most prominent feature, the 400 year-old Cedar of Lebanon tree, is outside the new centre's main entrance.

There have also been a number of staff changes.

Jerry Dronsfield is the new head of land based industries for Northumberland College based at Kirkley Hall. Rachel Donkin has been appointed farm manager.

Dr Tim Capron, college principal, believes the developments will give students a more appropriate land based curriculum and emphasise Kirkley's position as the sheep training centre for the UK.

l The college holds an enrolment day on Wednesday, September 6 for all of its courses. For further details telephone 01661 860 808 or freephone 0800 162 100.