A WORLD class centre of excellence to help small and medium-sized food manufacturers has enjoyed its official launch.

The purpose-built centre in Pershore offers accredited skills training, hi-tech facilities and other services to help businesses raise standards and make their products safer.

Core Food and Drink was made possible after an investment of more than £655,000 from Advantage West Midlands, the development agency for the region, which made the award from its Skills Development Fund.

"This is a world class facility," said Advantage chairman, Alex Stephenson.

"Its work will be invaluable in promoting the economic prosperity of the region's food and drink industry and will give it an extra edge when competing in international markets."

The Core Food and Drink project was developed by Pershore Group of Colleges which includes Hindlip and Home Lacy Colleges. Pershore has won international recognition for its work in the field and is the UK centre for the cider industry.

The centre features a drinks production area, a laboratory area and a nicro-brewery.

Vocationally-focused training will be available on a day/block release, short course and full-time basis, ranging from work-based NVQs through to HND and degree level in food production.