The first students have started their studies at Stansted Airport's new college.

Around 300 youngsters have started out at the purpose-built on-site college, which opened earlier this year and cost £11 million to create.

The courses on offer are designed to bridge the regional skills gap in science, technology, engineering and maths subjects as well as offering training specific airport roles like cabin crew staff and engineers.

Up to 500 people a year can be trained in technical skills, traineeships and apprenticeships with the qualifications being provided by Harlow College, which is helping run the college.

Jonathan Oates, corporate affairs director at Stansted Airport, said: “The opening of this fantastic new facility is the culmination of four years of work between London Stansted and Harlow College, and we are delighted to welcome so many students through our doors.

"This exciting partnership has really taken off and will enable us to build up the kind of skill base that we will need to meet the demand for growth here at London Stansted, whilst also providing a huge range of possible career paths for young people in Uttlesford and further afield."

The two-storey facility has been built on a one-acre site on land made available by the airport near the long-stay car park and Novotel Hotel.

The first students get to work at the college in Stansted.