Staff and students at a Dorchester school are celebrating as they prepare to show off their new facilities.

The Dorchester Learning Centre (DLC) spent much of the summer term relocating the 100 yards from the Old Rectory site at Monkton Park to the former Penwithen buildings - which had been housing the county’s youth justice team.

DLC is a pupil referral unit which provides education and support for all children who, for a variety of reasons, find themselves outside of mainstream school education.

Now, after 18 years, the school is finally able to enjoy the expansive facilities a purpose-built school can offer their student cohort.

Centre headteacher, Katherine Seymour said she had been encouraged by the strides both students and staff have made coming to terms with an entirely different learning environment.

Speaking ahead of DLC’s open day this Wednesday, Katherine said she was delighted with developments at the centre.

“I have been greatly encouraged so far this term with how well the whole school has settled into the new build," she said. "It has been an exciting period for staff and students alike and there are a number of exciting developments taking shape at Monkton Park.

"We have added primary provision, a new resource for 24 students with social, emotional and mental health needs, on-site sports facilities and we are also very fortunate to have added the A2Z Forest School in our grounds."

DLC will host an open day this Wednesday, December 12 which Ms Seymour said was the school's opportunity to not only showcase the new premises but say a big 'thank you' to all the people who had supported them through the new build.

"Mayor of Dorchester, David Taylor is among our guests and we have invited parents, local head teachers, our governors and the staff at county hall who were instrumental in our relocation. Hopefully they will all be able to appreciate what we will be striving to achieve in the coming years,” Ms Seymour said.