ASKHAM Bryan College, which has its main campus in York, is gearing up to open a new centre.

Temple Newsam estate, which is to the east of Leeds, will soon be a new base for Askham Bryan students.

Animal management and horticulture students currently based at Horsforth, Leeds, will move into their new home at Temple Newsam from September with Home Farm and the Walled Garden as important centres for their studies.

The growth in interest from young people across the region, and particularly from urban backgrounds, has led to this new initiative, which follows closely on the heels of opening the college's Saltaire centre in April.

Wes Johnson, Campus Principal, said: “We were really excited when Leeds City Council suggested a college hub at Temple Newsam and it's great that this is now coming to fruition. Leeds City Council has been extremely positive and supportive throughout, which has been a major factor in enabling us to realise our vision and bring new opportunities to young people in West Yorkshire.”

Temple Newsam is owned by Leeds City Council and the initiative is the result of a partnership with Askham Bryan College which has been developed initially through the delivery of apprenticeships in the Parks and Countryside service.

Mike Panting has been appointed the college's director to oversee its West Yorkshire operations, which includes centres at Wakefield and Saltaire as well as Leeds.