BEAMONT Collegiate Academy has opened up its DT facilities for free use by members of the public as it aims to foster a hub of creativity in Longford.

The Long Lane school has teamed up with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in order to open the Fab Lab, which will see residents able to access its 3D printers, laser cutters and CNC routers as well as specialist woodwork and metalwork facilities.

Interest in the Fab Lab has been sparked across the country, with enquiries coming in from places as far afield as Birmingham and Nottingham.

Chris Hillidge, head of science, technology, engineering and maths at Beamont, said: "Warrington is surrounded by tech industries big and small, but where we're placed in north Warrington is traditionally quite a disadvantaged area.

"But if you look at the facilities within the school that are now open to the public they're of a university standard in terms of the tech that's available.

"We've made it available for free for that very reason so that money isn't a barrier to anyone becoming involved and that anyone can make their ideas a reality.

"We're working with everyone from big business like Bentley right down to people who are just interesting in making something as a hobby, and in between there we have the small and medium-sized businesses who might want a prototype making.

"We have the facilities here to do that very simply, quickly and reasonably as well."

Beamont's Fab Lab will be open to the public on Thursday from 3pm till 8pm and on Saturday between 9.30am and 4pm, and will be free to use until the summer.

Fab Lab manager Jimmy Ingman added: "A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes so we're keen to let people know that we're open and it's totally free.

"It's going to be a really busy hive of activity were people are sharing ideas and just coming together to build, make and create whatever they're interested in.

"Within weeks we've had nationwide enquiries and we've got projects that are going to be made here and used internationally."

For more information go to fablab.warrington.ac.uk.