A £2.4M agriculture and engineering hub at Askham Bryan College has been officially opened.

The new Lance Gilling Building is at the heart of the York campus, and features a suite of lecture rooms with the latest IT technology, farm information room, offices and a 900sq m double height work shop with specialist equipment.

It will be the centre for practical studies by the 300 students studying agriculture and land based engineering and complements existing facilities on the site.

Nigel Pulling, chief executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, (YAS) performed the official opening.

The building is named after the late Lance Gilling, a leading agriculturalist and the college's longest serving principal. Several members of his family, including his widow, Mrs Brenda Gilling, attended the ceremony. Mr Gilling was also a former chairman and president of the YAS.

Guests included the Lord Mayor and Mayoress of York, the Sheriff of York's Lady, and Barry Dodd, chairman of the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Enterprise Partnership which has supported the project. Governors of the college, staff and students were also present.

Dr Tim Whitaker, campus principal, said: "It is vital for us to ensure our students graduate with a deep understanding and all the technical competencies needed in precision agriculture and on the connected farm. Askham Bryan College has been a trail blazer in providing first class education and practical experience for young people."

He referred to the significant investment made in the infra structure and emphasised the importance of the college's strong industry relationships.

He said: "The LEP has invested and developed the bio-economy and agri tech within the Yorkshire region substantially. This building, as a joint venture with the LEP is tangible proof of that."

The building is also home to the Agriculture and Horticulture Training Board (AHDB) and the Rural Business Research Unit. It is also used as a training centre by Trimble, a provider of advanced location equipment.

Mr Pulling outlined the strong relationship between the college and YAS. "If we want a successful rural sector we need a well trained and well educated work force. Having the best buildings and equipment is an important part of this."

Describing Mr Gilling as a pivotal and inspirational industry leader, Mr Pulling said: "We need to encourage and train the future Lance Gillings. For this we need the highest quality facilities and staff. This new building underlines the College's commitment to land based education and is symbolic of Askham Bryan's continued progress to be at the leading edge of education and training."