Part of a Norfolk school has been turned into an office environment following the creation of a new business centre.

Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman unveiled a plaque yesterday for the official opening of the facility at Old Buckenham High School.

The business centre, which has been kitted out with modern laptop computers and Wi-Fi internet connection, is set to be used by students who sign up to a new business, travel and tourism course at the school.

The course will not only be offered to Year 10 and 11 students at Old Buckenham, but also for pupils at Attleborough High, Wymondham High, Wymondham College and Hethersett High, which helped fund the refurbishment of the classroom.

Peter Whear, headteacher of Old Buckenham High School, said the space would also be available for use by local businesses and organisations as a meeting and conference room.

'The centre reflects the work place that many of our youngsters will go into in the future. We are using whatever opportunity we can to prepare the students for life after school whether it is going into work or further education or higher education,' he said.

George Freeman said he was thrilled to open the new look classroom. He also spoke to the Old Buckenham school council and prefects about his role as MP and they quizzed him on issues including tuition fees and the education maintenance allowance.