THE principal of an Essex college which has been granted special business and enterprise status by the Government said last night it was a "joyous day" for everyone involved.

THE principal of an Essex college which has been granted special business and enterprise status by the Government said last night it was a "joyous day" for everyone involved.

St Benedict's College in Norman Way, Colchester, was told yesterday by the Department for Education and Employment it would be receiving more than £100,000 during the next four years and a further £100,000 towards a new business suite.

That amount equals to an extra £123 per student coming into the school for each of the four years.

The school pledged the money would result in more emphasis on young enterprise, information technology across all subjects and also benefit other schools in Colchester.

Principal Alan Whelan said: "The granting of specialist status to St Benedict's College will mean a shot in the arm for the enterprise economy in Colchester.

"In our two year lead up to this joyous day we have made many new and meaningful contacts with the Colchester business community, especially the local chamber of commerce.

"As a Catholic college, in our bid for Government funding, we have committed ourselves to promoting ethical business and so I am happy to say that one of our most enterprising new contacts has been with the Traidcraft and fair-trade movements."

He added it was the college's aim to create an entrepreneurial ethos and ethical business among its young people and others throughout the area.

Mr Whelan also thanked everybody involved in the bid for their support.

The college has set an "ambitious" target date of September for completion of its new £150,000 business suite.

The school said the changes would also lead to more vigorous academic targets and achievements in maths, science, citizenship, and business studies.