A NEW skills centre has been opened in New Milton. It's for people who want to gain skills and qualifications in construction, information technology and health and beauty.

It's on the Wick Industrial Estate off Gore Road and is being funded by the Learning and Skills Council and sponsored by Hardley Timber and Building Supplies.

Brockenhurst College is leading the vocational courses that have been up and running since the beginning of this term.

A similar centre at Longdown Activity Farm, offering vocational qualifications in animal care to school pupils in partnership with Sparsholt College, has also opened.

The New Milton centre is part of the 14 to 19 Pathfinder project sponsored by the Learning and Skills Council and the Department for Education and Skills.

Andrew Cheal, of the Learning and Skills Council said: "These skills centres, which deliver high quality vocational learning opportunities in rural areas, are the first of their kind in the region.

"Until recently we have seen relatively few people within the New Forest taking up vocational options.

"Now we hope that more young people and adults will be encouraged to develop these valuable skills and qualifications for the future."

Mike Snell, principal at Brockenhurst College said: "We are very pleased to be leading the skills centre in New Milton working in partnership with schools, other colleges and responding to the needs of local employers."