INCREASED funding must go to “magnificent” further education providers such as Middlesbrough College, a MP has urged.

Andy McDonald, Middlesbrough MP, made the call as he visited the college to hear from staff and students about their work and studies.

The visit saw him tour the college and give a talk to students about his work campaigning against budget cuts.

He said: "Middlesbrough College is a wonderful place to study and with the STEM Centre and the huge variety of subjects and courses you can study it provides a fantastic springboard for local young people to get into the world of work or move onto Higher Education courses.

Zoe Lewis, principal and chief executive of Middlesbrough College, said: “Middlesbrough College is financially strong, and our student outcomes are among the best in the country.

"But for many colleges the funding situation has become unsustainable and they have had to absorb rising costs."