Elizabeth Truss took a trip back to school on a tour around a community hub in her constituency.
The South West Norfolk MP visited the Charles Burrell Centre in Thetford today, exploring the former high school to meet some of its 39 tenants.
Opened in 2014, the centre in Staniforth Road has provided a home for 19 start-up businesses as well as charities and child care providers.
Ms Truss said: 'The scope of what is going on here is sensational. I think it is amazing the way so many new businesses have started up, helping the economy and creating jobs, and there is so much life in the centre.
'It is a good business model that more people should try to follow.'
On her tour the Lord Chancellor was introduced to the Thetford Model Railway Society, who have set up in an old science lab, and the Thetford Toy Library, which rents toys and costumes from the former woodwork department.
There was a stop to see the West Brothers, Sam and James, whose printing and design business moved into the school's swimming pool earlier this year.
She also got a sneak preview of rehearsals by the Thundercats cheer-leading squad for their Halloween show, and was a brief visitor at a birthday party at Nadine's Cakes and Celebrations, which creates custom bakes for special occasions.
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