SWINDON and Wiltsire's new Institute of Technology impressed a visiting MP.

Bristol North West MP Darren Jones had a look around the state-of-the-art facility on New College's North Star campus on Friday.

He is also the chair of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee in the House of Commons.

Mr Jones talked to students and apprentices who are studying STEM subjects about the opportunities that the new Institute will give them when it's completed.

He said: "I'm delighted to see the building work for the IoT in Swindon, and to understand the great resources you're going to have for young and older learners to get into some of the most cutting-edge sectors in the UK economy.

"Part of my work nationally is looking at whether we have enough people with the right skills, in the right places, to do the right jobs so that we can create a strong economy.

"I can see first-hand that you're going to be right in that space, for Swindon, for the region and for the country. "

The IoT began teaching its first cohort of students last September. It specialises in degree-level courses and apprenticeships, advised by a group of employers and stakeholders to ensure that it responds to the region's skills needs.