NEARLY £100,000 has been awarded to set up a specialist learning centre for construction, painting and decorating, carpentry and plumbing courses at Wiltshire’s first academy.

Wellington Academy has been awarded a grant of £93,750 for its new applied learning centre based at the Castledown Business Park, Ludgershall.

The grant was awarded by Plain Action - an EU-funded scheme to provide opportunities across Salisbury Plain for young people, service leavers and local communities.

The Wellington Academy is teaming up with Wiltshire College to supply a fully-equipped state of the art centre to offer City and Guilds courses. Special taster, hobby and evening classes will also be on offer to the local community.

David Cowley, chairman of governors at Wellington Academy, said: “We are delighted with this grant.

“It will enable the academy to extend its curriculum, as well as offer courses to the wider community. We are extremely grateful to Plain Action for supporting this project.”

Mike Collins, a parent governor at The Wellington Academy, will co-ordinate the design and build process to ensure the centre will open early in the autumn term.

Businesses wishing to support this venture can contact Sandra Richardson, finance director at the academy, on 01264 405060.