A TRAILBLAZING educational scheme has won funding for a further year.

Essex County Council has agreed to fund the Stanway Federation Learning Centre until next summer at least.

The learning centre opened at the former Alderman Blaxill School site in Paxman Avenue, Colchester, in 2014 when the secondary school was closed due to falling roles.

The council had originally planned to use the school site for secondary school education from September next year.

However, viability studies revealed the buildings were in a much worse condition than originally thought and the council is now investigating what action to take next.

However, it has agreed to fund the learning centre for another year.

Colchester councillor Lyn Barton, who is also a governor for the Stanway Federation, welcomed the decision - but said she would have liked it to have been for longer.

She said: "I am absolutely delighted the county council has agreed to keep the learning centre open for another year at least.

"I understand a key factor was the number of people who went to the public meeting to show support for keeping the site for educational purposes and the strength of feeling shown by residents.

"The learning centre has been really successful and its trailblazing work has been recognised countrywide. Phil Jones, the head teacher, has been asked for advice by the Welsh Government.

"There is nothing quite like the learning centre and I really hope it continues in the long term."

The learning centre provides special workshops for gifted and talented primary and secondary school children as well as support for students who have barriers to learning.

The centre is also used by community clubs and a range of educational groups.

Mr Jones said: "I am really pleased the work of the learning centre is appreciated by the community and it is recognised it is making a real difference and improving learning opportunities for young people and improving the lives of people in our community."

Essex County Council yesterday agreed to fund extensions at both Stanway and Philip Morant schools.

The council rubber stamped the £12.8 million cost which will allow both schools to expand so they can take an extra 60 pupils a year, a total of 600 students over five years.