A college in Gorleston received a royal visit for the opening of a new educational building focusing on engineering, games design and land management.

The Duke of Gloucester has officially opened the new Henry Cator Building at East Norfolk Sixth Form College on Church Lane.

That same day, The Duke was also seen arriving at Norwich Cathedral by helicopter to officially open a new hostel offering accommodation to 23 people who have experienced homelessness.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: East Norfolk Sixth Form on Church Lane, Gorleston. Picture - ENEast Norfolk Sixth Form on Church Lane, Gorleston. Picture - EN (Image: EN)In Gorleston, the Duke met with staff and students of fine art, graphics and 3D design, engineering, games and e-sports before a reception with other staff and students.

East Norfolk's (EN) new two-storey building houses state-of-the-art engineering classrooms, games development rooms and a land management laboratory. The campus addition is named after Henry Cator, Deputy Lieutenant for Norfolk and High Steward of Great Yarmouth.

At the opening, Mr Cator commented that a skilled and well-trained workforce needed in the expanding offshore, marine and high-tech industries was vital to the area's future success.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Henry Cator.Henry Cator. (Image: Archant)The building's completion comes as EN aims to raise educational and professional standards across Norfolk and North Suffolk to increase higher-level skills for employment, higher education or further training.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Dr Catherine Richards, principle of East Norfolk Sixth Form. Picture - James WeedsDr Catherine Richards, principle of East Norfolk Sixth Form. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)EN Principal Dr Catherine Richards said: "For over 42 years, East Norfolk Sixth Form College has been at the forefront of raising aspirations and educational standards across the region. 

"We place community aspiration and excellence at the heart of everything we do by seeking to improve the lives of people in our communities and by providing outstanding opportunities. 

"The new Henry Cator Building is the latest milestone in our journey to provide the best facilities to support the learning of our 1,700 students and ensure this leads to the very best outcomes for families, the community and the area."

Mr Cator added he was delighted and humbled to have this new building named after him, but also how excited he was by the opportunities and skills it will offer to the students now and in the future.