A RESPECTED community learning facility has closed its doors for the last time marking the end of an era.

Stanway Federation Learning Centre was a trailblazing education hub based on the site of the former Alderman Blaxill School site in Colchester.

Opened in 2014, the centre provided workshops for gifted and talented school children as well as support for students with learning problems.

The centre ensured the site was used for education when the school closed.

But now it has officially closed and the building is set to be demolished. A new school is due to be built on the site.

The centre went out in a blaze of glory having been recognised as Community Partner of the Year at an awards ceremony organised by the University of Essex.

Phil Jones, head of Stanway Federation Learning Centre, said: “Our aim was to make a difference in any way we could and without a doubt we have helped a lot of people in schools and in the community.

“For us the facilities were there for the benefit of the community and it was quite nice to get the recognition in the award ceremony especially as we were coming to the end of our time.”

The centre saw off competition from 46 different organisations to win the prize.

Mr Jones said he had “nothing but admiration” for his team and thanked them for all their hard work.

He said: “We have not had a lot of resources and we have had to make use of what we have. We have shown that with a bit of determination and a bit of belief you can make a difference.

“I think we have achieved what the vision was - to make sure the facilities were used for the benefit of supporting local people and local schools and I am proud of our work.”

The site has also become a community centre with on average 450 residents using the facilities every week.

Colchester councillor Lyn Barton, who served as a governor for the Stanway Federation and has campaigned to secure the building for education, said the methods used at the centre had been innovative.

She said: “I think the work they have done has been outstanding and I know it has been nationally recognised.

“In my opinion it is a shame it could not be transferred elsewhere and kept going.”

Barbara Williamson, a former chair of governors at both Alderman Blaxill School and the learning centre, said: “There is a bit of sadness and a bit of pride now it is closing.

“It was sad for the team to break up and I think it is a great loss for education.

“I would like to have seen it carry on in some form even if it was somewhere else. I think it is a case of you do not know what you have got until it is gone.”