RELATIVES of an Olympic hero have officially opened a new art and media centre in his honour.

The building was named after Guisborough-born gold medallist Willie Applegarth was a member of the 4x100m team who won at the Stockholm Games of 1912.

Prior Pursglove College honoured his achievement in his hometown by inviting Mike and Aidan Applegarth, the great nephews of the sprinter, and Jade Jones, student at the Guisborough College who competed in this summer’s Paralympic Games.

And two Olympic torchbearers, Casey Jackson from Middlesbrough and Steve Hall of Redcar, were also on hand to share their experiences.

Judy Barton, principal of the college, said: “We are really excited to be ready to use this new building and all the excellent facilities it has to offer.

"We already have a strong reputation for the quality of our Art and Media provision at the college and so the new facilities bring a wonderful enhancement for the experience of all our students studying these subjects.

“We are delighted to welcome back to the region members of the Willie Applegarth family who are able to see for themselves the lasting impact his success has had on the area.”