The MAYOR of Worcester has officially opened the University of Worcester’s new language centre, following its relocation to the city centre.

The centre is celebrating 20 years of helping people to learn a new language, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Japanese.

The centre has moved from the university’s St John’s campus to its Jenny Lind building in the city centre.

The Mayor, Paul Denham, cut a ribbon to formally open it.

He was joined by the University of Worcester’s Pro Vice Chancellor International, Heather Forland, and students and staff old and new for the event, including students from the University’s Japanese partner university, Ibaraki.

Students on the CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) course – a qualification for teaching English as a foreign language – were also present.

Through CELTA, the University offers free English language classes to all nationalities, and some who currently use the classes also attended.

Gema Perez, from Murcia, Spain, said: “I work at an after school club and really wanted to improve my English.

"Coming to the University and learning from the students has been fantastic.”

Coun Denham said: “This relocated language school at the university improves the facilities available to its growing number of international students.

"I was very impressed by the students I met."