A WEST Midlands MEP visited Pershore College, part of Warwickshire College, to find out about its status as a national centre for horticultural excellence.

Julia Page, assistant principal, accompanied Conservative Philip Bradbourn on the tour, along with John Farmer, commercial and resources manager.

The tour included the college’s landscaped gardens and national plant collections, glasshouses and hothouses, commercial juicing centre and orchards.

Ms Page said: “We were delighted to host the visit by Mr Bradbourn, who was especially interested in our links to the local business economy, our apprenticeship schemes and the support we give to students with business ideas.

“As a Gazelle college, we are committed to giving our students access to entrepreneurial environments and work prospects, promoting inventiveness and creativity and encouraging ambition, innovation and collaboration.”

Mr Bradbourn said: “I was delighted to visit Pershore College so I could see for myself the important work that is going on. Agri-business is a very important part of the economy in Worcestershire and it has a key role to play in rebalancing the economy.

“I am very pleased that the college is supporting the industry by providing excellent training and research opportunities.”

Gazelle brings together leaders from the private and public sectors, committed to deploying entrepreneurship as a strategic driver for change in the education sector.