Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg was in Helston this morning as he announced the town’s college would receive tens of millions of pounds to rebuild its ailing facilities.

Mr Clegg was given a tour of Helston Community College by headteacher Donna Bryant, who demonstrated just why the money was needed.

Windows have had to be screwed in over safety fears, meaning students are cold in the winter and boiling hot in summer, and asbestos is in the walls.

They were joined on the tour by West Cornwall MP Andrew George and Cornwall Councillor Andrew Wallis, who both backed the council’s bid to the government for money.

It will come from the second phase of the Priority School Building Programme, worth £2 billion nationally.

In Helston it means between 80 and 90 per cent of its upper school site can be rebuilt, taking in C-Block (maths and English), D-Block (science and PE) and E-Block (technology).

Although no figure has been given for the specific amount Helston will receive, in order to not affect the tendering process, Mr George said it would be in the “tens” of millions.

Mrs Bryant, who took over from previous headteacher Dr Pat McGovern – another key player in the successful bid – last September, said: “It’s fantastic news for the college and the community. They’ve been here twice before and we’re really hoping this time it’s for real.”

The college was initially due to receive money under a similar Government programme, Building Schools for the Future, which was subsequently cancelled.

Then last year Cornwall Council revealed it was unable to find the £10 million it had agreed in principle, to help the college rebuild C-Block.

Falmouth Packet:

During his hour-long visit to the school, Mr Clegg also met with year eight students in an English class – and even found a minute to have a “selfie” taken with three sixth-formers.

Mr Clegg said: “This building is a very clear example of one that desperately needs to be rebuilt. They have passed their sell-by date.”