Hundreds walked through the doors of the state-of-the-art Wakefield College campus after a digital clock counted down the last seconds to its 10am opening and youngsters from each subject area cut the red ribbon together.

College principal Sue Griffiths told staff and students: "This is an historic moment – nobody else will ever be able to say they were the first to walk in to the Skills Xchange."

About 300 staff and 2,500 students relocated to the new triangle shaped learning academy when the Whitwood College site closed two weeks ago.

Its purpose built facilities include industry standard classrooms for construction, engineering, electronic and motor vehicle courses as well as hair and beauty salons which offer treatments to the public.

The campus, which offers 14-19-year-olds vocational subjects, also has a hi-tech learning resource centre and energy saving features.

Engineering student Nathan French, from Knottingley, said: "The building has a wow factor to it, the facilities are modern and the layouts are smart and spacious.

"I think people will really enjoy learning here."

Regeneration specialists Waystone have developed the campus with property consultants GVA Grimley and architects Pick Everard.

Work started on the building, which has glass curtain walling and a sloping roof with glass lighting, in May 2007.

Its opening was originally due to take place in January but was delayed so work could be completed.

Stuart McLoughlin, managing director of Waystone, said: "Waystone staff are proud to have been associated with the construction of the Skills Xchange, the complex design of which had presented some interesting challenges.

"I know our team have delivered a quality job."

Schools' secretary Ed Balls will officially open the Skills Xchange in April with his wife, Pontefract and Castleford MP Yvette Cooper.

An open evening for potential students and parents takes place at the campus tonight with a preview for businesses on March 30.

To see pictures of the Skills Xchange during construction visit www.wakefield. ac.uk/skillsxchange.

* Send us your memories of the old Whitwood College. Email us at editorial@pandcexpress.co.uk.