State-of-the-art centre is a tribute to statesman (From Warrington Guardian)

State-of-the-art centre is a tribute to statesman

A TOP-CLASS teaching centre at Nantwich's Reaseheath College has been dedicated to the memory of one of Cheshire's greatest statesmen.

The Philip Leverhulme Centre has been named in honour of the late Viscount Philip Leverhulme, who served Cheshire as Lord Lieutenant for 41 years and was awarded the Knight of the Garter by the Queen for his long service.

Viscount Leverhulme, who died in 2000 at the age of 85, was also Lord Patron of the Cheshire Agricultural Society and Cheshire Show for 50 years, and throughout his life he was a great supporter of Reaseheath College.

Reaseheath principal Meredydd David welcomed Mr Leverhulme's daughter, Jane Heber-Percy, to the official naming ceremony, and said that her father had been a great man who had achieved much in agriculture and the countryside.

He added: "This teaching centre has transformed the quality of our classrooms and lecture rooms, and has set us up with capacity for future growth."

Mr David also paid tribute to former principal Vic Croxson and his wife, Cynthia, for establishing a vision for the centre.

Unveiling a commemorative plaque, Mrs Heber Percy said her father would have been delighted to have been associated with a building that allows young people to learn skills and interests which he valued.

A total of £1.5 million has been spent on the centre's purchase, conversion and refurbishment, helped by a grant of £550,000 from the Learning and Skills Council.

Members of the Cheshire Agricultural Society also made significant contributions towards the funding of the centre.