His royal high-ness

GIVE us a wave . . . the Duke at Waterhead Academy

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THE Duke of Gloucester proved he had a head for heights when he opened the new £7 million learning centre at Oldham College.

He enjoyed the view from the roof of the five-storey building, which has 28 classrooms for early years, childcare and business courses and is also the main entrance to the Rochdale Road campus.

The Queen’s cousin, 23rd in line to the throne, was welcomed by children from Stoneleigh Academy and the college’s Butterflies Nursery who waved Union flags.

He met students and staff during a tour of the building — the first phase of a £31 million re-development of the college.

From the roof the he could see the construction of the £9 million University Technical College, which will open in September. He was also shown the sites of the £7 million digital skills career college and a £6 million building for hair and beauty, travel and tourism, sport and uniformed public services.

Unveiling a plaque, the Duke said: “It’s very necessary to have the right buildings to house the right kind of training at the right time and you are approaching it with vigour.

“I congratulate all those who have played a part in the construction and wish the best of luck to all those who come here.”