A new state-of-the-art science centre has moved a step closer for a Worcester college after a topping out ceremony took place.

The ceremony to celebrate the building becoming watertight is a milestone often celebrated by builders.

The £2.6 million centre was built at Worcester Sixth Form College to enable the college to serve its growing number of students who take science subjects.

This year, the college had 1,500 enrolments in science, technology and maths subjects, which represents a growth of more than 16 per cent in the past four years.

The new building will provide four new science laboratories with specialist equipment for Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics as well as additional study spaces and a specially designed computer room for all science students to analyse the results of their experiments.

In the case of the Physics lab, the computers will be integrated into the laboratory.

As part of its commitment to science subjects, the college will also expand its links with employers, colleges and training providers within the community.

The college's principal Michael Kitcatt said the new centre was important because science, technology and mathematics subjects were increasingly regarded as crucial to the country's future success.

He said: "For a number of years we have worked on plans to enhance our science facilities, in light of our excellent teaching and results in this area and the growing number of students taking science, technology and mathematics subjects with us.

"It is fantastic to have reached the point where the new building is fully watertight and in just a few months now these plans will become a reality."

The science centre has been paid for with the help of £1.5 million from a government scheme for sixth form colleges and a £125,000 grant from Worcester city council to encourage the further links with local science and technology based business.

The college will use its own resources and take on a bank loan to fund the rest of the project as well as try to attract sponsorship.