Work starts on new food academy

Work is under way to build a new regional food academy in Shropshire.

The facility at Harper Adams University College in Edgmond, near Newport, will teach students and help businesses make the most of their produce.

It was funded by £3m from Advantage West Midlands and will be housed in an 80-year-old mill.

A "cheese room", a product development kitchen and a teaching theatre for 100 students will be among the facilities at the new academy.

The academy will also be open for pupils from schools in the area to visit.

Mark Pearce, of Advantage West Midlands, said: "The new food academy will make a real difference to the economy of the region, as well as drawing national and international attention to the key role that the West Midlands plays in the production and processing of food in the UK."