Wates Construction, the company which redeveloped Bridlington Spa, has moved on to the St Mary's Walk site and begun preliminary work.

Officials attended a turf-cutting ceremony last Thursday and the new facilities should be open by September next year.

A 6,200sq metre building will go up on the grassed area at the front of the site and existing buildings will be taken down when the new ones are completed.

Chairman of governors David Thacker said: "After many months of detailed negotiations, planning and support-seeking, the exciting moment has arrived for East Riding College to see the start of the rebuilding of our Bridlington site.

"What a difference it will make to the learning environment of our students and our staff.

"Once the new building and its excellent facilities and high standard of equipment is in place, there should be no impediments to the pursuit of success and achievement at the college."

The new college will have 44 teaching rooms, an extensive library and IT facilities and a new sports pitch with changing facilities.

Subjects taught at the new campus will include construction studies, engineering, art and design, IT and business, catering, travel, and hair and beauty.

Principal Derek Branton said: "In a little over a year we'll be welcoming our first students to a modern campus which will create a state-of-the-art environment in which to learn.

"This investment is also evidence of our desire to be a part of the regeneration of Bridlington and to play a key role in the community."