The �25m Lowestoft Sixth Form College has won its first award.

The college, which opened last September, has been announced as a winner of a Royal Institute of British Architects' Craftsmanship award.

It was given after architect Stephen Hart assessed the college which was designed by Atkins Partnership and built by Morgan Sindall.

Mr Hart, who was particularly impressed with the college's atrium area, said: 'All details in this building are well thought out and are a joy to behold.

'At first sight, this building looks stunning, with its pristine white finish cladding panels and grey aluminium framed windows and unlike anything else I have seen in Lowestoft.

'The building has an almost classical restrained style to it.'

His report said the appearance of the college, designed to accommodate 900 post-16 students, is almost one of 'an office headquarters building which could be found in any European country rather than a sixth-form college building in a seaside town'.

His report added: 'At first sight, this building looks stunning, with its pristine white finish cladding panels and grey aluminium framed windows and unlike anything else I have seen in Lowestoft.

'The building has an almost classical restrained style to it.

There are stunning views wherever you go in this building, either looking up or down wherever you go in fact, and there are endless photos which can be taken.'

'Its striking features are its clear design ethos, its simplicity of layout and signposting and the 'striking organisation of space three dimensionally with dramatic views in all directions.'

Principal Yolanda Botham said: 'I am delighted that the judges agree with us.

'This is a fantastic building in which to work and study.'