MORE than 600 staff members of the newly-formed Easton and Otley College have toasted its official opening.

The event, at the Easton site, was the first time that staff at the new land-based college got to meet under one banner after the merger last month.

Chair of governors Sally Bendall said: “This has been a year of celebration with the Jubilee, the Olympics and the Paralympics - now it is our turn. I have every confidence in the new college and its ability to offer and create opportunities for students and the land-based industries in Norfolk, Suffolk and the Eastern region.”.

Mr Lawrence said: “It was great to officially welcome everyone and toast this momentous occasion.”

“He added: “This is the first step on our journey and it is an incredibly exciting time for education in both counties.

“We are making history and now is the time to look forward.

“By coming together, we have gone from being two small local colleges to a large regional college. Our aim is to become a national institution.

“Our mission is simple. We want to help students get jobs and progress and we want to make sure that we serve the needs of the land-based industry and other industries that we serve,” he added.

David Lawrence – who recently received an OBE for his services to land based further and higher education in Norfolk - welcomed Sir Nicholas Bacon and Lord Iveagh to lead college staff in toasting the era of the college.

After the toast, colleagues met up to discuss the new vision for the college during information sessions.