THE Government Minister who opened a new centre for lifelong learning in Worcester could be one of its new students.

Margaret Hodge, Minister for Lifelong Learning and Higher Education, said she had her own ambitions for when she left politics.

She officially opened the St Wulstan's Building - formerly the Deansway police station - of Worcester College of Technology yesterday.

"I'm full of ambition," said Ms Hodge.

"I want to learn the harp, do physics A-level and learn Russian. I have a huge lifelong learning agenda myself.

"We want to give people education from the cradle to the grave so people can feel part of the community.

"You get a feeling that there's a path of learning in Worcester.

"I hope a lot of happiness and good learning takes place in this building."

The building opened to students this term following a successful bid of £1.4m last year.

Formerly a police station and magistrates court, it now houses the law department, as well as the management and professional departments.

It is phase one of a three-phase development by the college.

"I'm over the moon," said college principal John Henderson.

"It's been my 10-year dream.

"I'll be continuing my own lifelong learning and practice what I preach.

"I'll probably study a few languages and focus on Spanish, Italian and French.

"I was quite excited a couple of years ago when an 83-year-old signed up for our law course. He wanted a change in career.

"This base is now in the heart of the city for adults to continue their studies."

The building was given its name after a competition among staff.

The governors were given a shortlist of names.

St Wulstan's was chosen and sits alongside the All Saints, Cathedral and St Andrew's buildings.