A UNIQUE £1.3 million centre of learning has been unveiled at Crosshill Special School, Blackburn which will put it at the forefront of education..

NOT many schools can boast their own purpose-built live-in apartment, a Japanese garden room and cyber cafe but Crosshill Specialist School Technology College yesterday showed-off their new learning facilities.

The great and good of education in Blackburn attended the opening yesterday of the £1.3 million learning centre which has been built on to the school's existing rooms.

The e-Learning centre will hugely enhance the teaching of computer technology for the 110 pupils with learning or physical difficulties at the school.

It will also be accessed by pupils from many other high schools and primary schools in the area.

The incorporation of a live-in flat at the Shadsworth Road school is believed to be the first of its kind anywhere in the country.

The plush apartment situated next door to classrooms will be lived in by pupils at weekends and will enable them to learn life skills as such as cooking, cleaning and organising for themselves.

The Japanese garden room with fibre optic lighting and scented areas is to be used for quiet working and the IT section will host a cyber cafe for parents and pupils with global video links.

The plans for the new centre were drawn up five years ago after the school received an Ofsted inspection which said that the school had many strengths but IT needed to be improved.

Building started 18 months before its opening by Jack Straw MP yesterday, who unveiled a plaque.

Mr Straw said: "I think it's terrific. It's really important that there are new facilities for the full-time pupils at Crosshill school but alongside that it's important for the whole community."

And Mr Straw praised the input businesses had in the creation of the centre.

He said: "Fifteen to 20 years ago businesses and state schools were at loggerheads, that's changed dramatically.

"Business has really engaged with Crosshill school and and are working together for the betterment of people."

Pupils also gave the new centre the thumbs-up.

Robert Simpson, 13, a year eight pupil had been at the school for just three weeks.

He said: "I think the new parts are great. I am learning much easier than at my old school."

Headteacher Mike Hatch said: "It has been a superb day and now I look forward to making it work, working with our partnership schools and educating within the community.

"I think its something quite unique nationally as well as locally. I am pleased for my staff and the pupils. I just see so many smiling faces and it's great."