STUDENTS learning arts and trades will benefit from a new £1m teaching complex early next year.

The building near North West Kent College's Lower Higham Road entrance will house carpentry and joinery workshops, as well as painting and decorating courses from January.

Fourteen full-time and part-time day and evening courses, as well as short courses will be run from the two-storey building during the academic year.

Pupils from Gravesend, Hextable, Meopham, Northfleet and Swanley will also attend classes there as part of the college's links with schools.

Richard Medcalf, the college's head of school for construction and building services, said: "The college is responding to the needs of the community with the opening of the new teaching block.

"Our aim is to continue creating opportunities through our courses for students wishing to develop practical and creative skills."