A college which pulled out of a deal to merge with two nearby vocational centres has said joining forces with a fellow A-level provider 'will better enable us to retain our distinctive sixth form ethos'.

Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth colleges were due to join with Lowestoft Sixth Form College to help maintain a range of courses and withstand budget pressures.

But last week the sixth form walked away from the deal, saying it had 'identified an alternative option which could provide an even more efficient and effective sixth form college provision for our region'.

Principal Yolanda Botham stressed her sixth form's decision to now look into a merger with East Norfolk Sixth Form in Gorleston would not damage Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft colleges' own merger.

'It's about the ethos of the two colleges and finding the right partner,' she said. 'This is a more obvious and natural partnership.'

Read the full story in today's Lowestoft Journal.