A STATE-of-the-art computer suite has opened at a Bewdley middle school and will be for use by residents as well as pupils.

The £200,000 ICT building was opened at Wribbenhall Middle School in Stourport Road on Friday last week.

The new centre is stocked with 30 computers to be used by the school's pupils and Wyre Forest residents, outside of school hours.

Headteacher, Janet Bickerton, said: "It was a brilliant moment when we cut the ribbon.

"It just shows what people can achieve by working together and sharing resources and putting plans and finance together for the benefit of everyone."

The school would manage the ICT suite, which was attached to the main building, and talks were taking place with Kidderminster College with a view to setting up courses for non-pupils, she said.

"It is finding out what people want and how best that site can serve the community. ICT is an essential part of pupils' life in the future as well as making them responsible citizens."

The school put in about £70,000 for the scheme while Worcestershire County Council contributed more than £100,000.

Advantage West Midlands, a Government agency which gives cash to community projects, contributed £50,000 through town-based organisation, Opportunity Bewdley.

Mark Pearce, Advantage West Midlands director for Worcestershire, said: "The new computer learning centre is a further boost to Bewdley residents and I am confident it will be of great benefit to people of all ages."