New 1.2m classrooms replacing those destroyed by fire were officially opened by MP Tony Baldry.

The block of 22 classrooms at Bicester Community College in Queen's Avenue, replace old aluminium framed buildings, some of which were destroyed in the blaze three years ago.

The new building provides amenities for six departments at the college plus a network room, a sixth form seminar room and offices.

Bicester Community College headteacher Cynthia Bartlett said: "I believe that for the people of Bicester this building is in many ways a symbol of ther development of their community.

Many of them have personal memories associated with coming to school themselves and are amazed and delighted to see the changes that are taking place now." The college, a technology collegserving the wider community, is already benefitting in so many ways from this new facility and we are grateful to everyone who has made this possible."