BEST-SELLING author and former North Yorkshire schools inspector Gervase Phinn opened a new learning centre at Tadcaster Grammar School.

The £900,000 facility boasts DVD and CD-ROM collections, reference books and archive material.

Up to 150 pupils at a time can use the centre, developed in association with North Yorkshire County Council, to study by themselves or in small groups.

Maurice White, the head of the learning centre, said: "We want our students to be able to take responsibility for their own learning, to push their abilities, skills and effort to the limits. This marvellous new building will provide the space for them to do just that."

Updated: 10:32 Saturday, March 05, 2005