A GOVERNMENT Minister declined the chance of dinner duty at a Worcester college, despite its new cafeteria.

Jacqui Smith, MP for Redditch and Minister of State for Health, said she dreaded being on dinner duty when she taught at Worcester Sixth Form College in the 1980s.

But the former economics teacher said she was "impressed" by the college's new cafeteria block, tutorial rooms and music practice rooms, which she officially opened.

"I was really impressed by the surroundings," said Ms Smith. "I think my duty would have been a joy had I had a cafeteria like this."

The new buildings and car park are phase two of the college's improvements.

The £2.75m scheme has seen the creation of a purpose-built cafeteria block with skylights and classrooms.

The old cafeteria space is now being used as tutorial rooms and the kitchen is administration space and a staff workroom.

There are also new soundproofed music practice rooms that can be linked up to a recording studio.

"Before I was a Minister in Tony Blair's Government I always believed that education, education, education was what we needed," said Ms Smith.

"It really enables us to widen our interests. You need to be constantly changing and improving. The people who use our services have high expectations.

"This college is clearly delivering those opportunities.

"I've lots of happy memories of being here. I do owe quite a lot of where I've got to today to post-16 experiences in Worcestershire.

"It's because I know you've worked hard to develop the college that I know you'll be able to deliver the opportunities."

Ms Smith was taken on a tour of the new facilities by principal John Tredwell, who employed her in 1988.

"I remember her interview very well. She was clearly such an outstanding candidate," he said. "We've followed her career with interest, so it's a great pleasure to welcome her back and celebrate the completion of phase two."

The college plans to build a new four-storey block comprising recreational space, classrooms and extensive ICT facilities.