Wall fo fame

Alun Francis (college principal), apprentice student Alex Kerrigan (16), Neil O'Brien (project lead Willmott Dixon) at the topping out at Oldham College.

OLDHAM College staff have made their mark on a new £6million building — before it even opens.

They raised more than £1,000 for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, Royton, by paying to sign a brick in the college’s new building for commercial and retail courses.

Companies involved in the construction also made donations to the hospice.

Brickwork students Damien Jackson and Alex Kerrigan finished off the last wall before principal Alun Francis laid the final brick in a topping-out ceremony.

The building is expected to be ready on March 13, 2015, but lessons won’t start in there until after the Easter holidays.

It will primarily cater for hair and beauty courses. It includes a commercial hair, beauty and nail salon which opens to the public after Easter.

Vice principal Andrew Harrison signed the first brick.

He said: “This was a great opportunity for staff to make their mark on our new building, which forms part of our major redevelopment project to modernise the college’s accommodation in line with growth sectors in the economy.

“This exciting new facility cements our commitment to students with high quality buildings, kit and equipment which support the excellent teaching and support services and ensures they have real choices about their future careers.”

Lisa Pearson, Dr Kershaw’s fund-raising manager, added: “The hospice enjoys a great relationship with Oldham College and we are delighted to be part of this milestone in the college’s history.”