BUILDING work had been completed at a new secondary school in Colchester.

Paxman Academy in Shrub End has been built by Essex County Council on the site of the former Alderman Blaxill School.

The 900-place school will open in September with 180 Year 7 students and is already oversubscribed.

The academy, which will be run by the Sigma Trust, incorporates a three-storey building with 20 classrooms, a library, a suite of science laboratories, technology workshops, and a sports hall.

READ MORE: First look inside the new Paxman Academy as it rises from the ashes

To mark the completion of works a MAN marine engine was installed at entrance of the school.

MAN Energy Solutions, based in Hythe Hill, was formerly known as Paxman’s and donated the engine to the school in recognition of it being called after the Paxman engineering dynasty.

The firm said it will now work closely with the school to encourage pupils to take up careers in engineering.

Richard Guest, managing director of MAN said: “Our company has a world-wide reputation for its large high-speed diesel engines and has been a major influence on the social and economic life of the town since the late 19th century.

“Going forward, MAN will be working closely with the school in order to encourage students into engineering and into MAN Colchester.

“Engineers are key to the UK and currently we have to pull them into the area due to the lack locally of the desired skillsets.”

Essex county councillor Ray Gooding added: “I’m pleased to mark another milestone in the journey toward a new sustainable secondary academy in Colchester.

“This link with Colchester’s industry provides a foundation upon which Paxman Academy can build a reputation for excellence, just as the great engineering company we once knew as Paxman still holds today as MAN Energy Solutions.”