TALENTED students had the chance to showcase their work at the opening of their college's new arts building.

Paintings, craftwork and textile designs were on display at Birkenhead Sixth Form College as part of its end of year arts exhibition.

The building, which was designed by former student Rachel Clegg of Wirral-based Ainsley Gommon Architects, will house subjects such as fine art, graphics and textiles.

And it is hoped the new addition will boost students’ enjoyment and allow them to create more ambitious pieces of work.

Angela Watson, head of art, design and technology, said: "We strongly believe that the new Arts Building will make an immeasurable difference to the students here and will have an incredible impact on the work they are able to create.

"We have a superbly designed three-storey building with lots of space and modern facilities for our students – they now have much more scope to produce larger, more ambitious pieces and to work in a professional and aspirational environment."

The opening comes as a new art, design and media foundation arts diploma is launched at the college, which aims to prepare students for university degree programmes.

Ms Watson added: "This is a very proud moment for us all to share the students’ excellent work in the new building – we have some extremely talented young artists and designers at the college and it is our aim to give them the best platform to progress as possible.

"To this end we are also launching the diploma, which means that Wirral arts students will not have to look further afield to access the qualification.

"Through the diploma we can consolidate the work already undertaken by our students and help them to take that extra step after their A-levels.

"With our experienced and knowledgeable tutors and modern facilities, The Sixth Form College - Birkenhead is the best place on the Wirral for young people to study arts and design."