Local MP Jesse Norman joined a large gathering of local people last Friday to celebrate the move of NMITE, the New Model in Technology and Engineering, Herefordshire's new university, into its first campus buildings at Blackfriars in the city.

Jesse has led on this project from its very inception, including a fundraising effort from central government that has so far raised £23 million from the Department for Education and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Speaking at the launch event, Jesse said "This is one of the proudest days of my life. Even ten years ago, before the university had got going at all, I looked forward to the moment when it would have its own campus buildings right by the city centre.

"Now this is a reality. I take my hat off to Elena, Karen and the brilliant NMITE team that have made it possible.

"From its new base in Blackfriars, NMITE can grow out across the mediaeval city of Hereford to support the whole county.  If we can make it a success, it has the potential to transform our county, our businesses, our economy, and the educational possibilities for generations of Herefordians and Marchers.

"There is a huge amount of work still to do. But we must double and redouble our efforts to make it happen."