FIRST it was sport, now it is art that has received a boost at a Worcester secondary school.

A redeveloped art block, described as the best facility of its kind in Worcestershire, was formally opened at Elgar Technology College, Perdiswell, by county artist David Birtwhistle. It follows the completion of a state-of-the-art sports hall earlier this year and coincided with the school's first large-scale GCSE art exhibition.

Headteacher Tony James said art was proving an outstanding success at the Perdiswell school, with 94 students from Year 11 (age 16) taking GCSE art, the school's highest ever number of candidates.

Mr James added: "Their huge efforts, perseverance and talents ensured that the exhibition is a wonderful collection of art work in every media imaginable. Every student had work represented in the exhibition and it was great to see so many students and their families."

Stephen Belinfante, inspector for the arts at Worcestershire County Council, said: "The facilities are magnificant.

"It is now probably the best art and design centre in the whole county.

"The school is already getting sensational results in art thanks to really good teaching and learning and these facilities just add to that."

Following the opening, Mr Birtwhistle, who owns art gallery Birties in Friar Street, Worcester, browsed the exhibition of GCSE artwork and spoke to the Year 11 students, who are currently off school after taking their exams.

He said that he was impressed by the students' work and the new department.

He added: "I'm not sure that it's possible to 'teach' art but we can certainly encourage people and this is made so much easier in these first class facilities."

A large audience, including the Mayor of Worcester, Coun Ian Imray as well as governors, staff, friends and families toured the redeveloped building and listened to speeches.

The Bilford Road school is hoping that the art students contribute to improved GCSE results this year, particularly after the school has received a Notice to Improve from the Office for Standards in Education in March.