A £40M centre built to cater for growing numbers of students at one of the North-East's leading university's was officially opened yesterday.

The teaching and learning centre at Durham University, which was built on a sports field in South Road, has been in use since the start of the academic year.

Joe Docherty, chairman of the university council, said: "Durham University deserves the best facilities. We are in a catch-up period but this is world class."

Professor Alan Houston, pro-provost (education), said: "Two years ago this was a mud pit. Now it's the teaching and learning centre."

He added: "I'm delighted the reaction from teachers and students has been really positive."

Up to 1,600 students can be taught at the centre, which has spaces for individual and collaborative study, nearly 200 computer laboratory spaces and an experimental education laboratory to trial new learning methods.

Vice-chancellor Professor Stuart Corbridge said ;"We have long been recognised globally for the strength of our research and the exceptional student experience we offer.

"Now we are showing the world we can match this with our innovative and inclusive approach to teaching."

The university is spending £700m as part of its 10-year strategy, which includes growing student numbers to 21,500 by 2027.