BICTON College principal, David Henley says he is "delighted" that the future of the agricultural college looks to have been secured.

He explained: "Bicton College is now ready to consolidate its position as Devon's centre of land-based education thanks to support for the college to continue its development as an independent centre of academic excellence.

"We are now in a position to move forward with confidence and to build on the college's enviable track record in providing a comprehensive range of courses and training options in all areas of land-based and rural education."

Government agencies have backed the college to retain its independence and proceed with plans to further develop its resources for all forms of land-based education and as a hub for 14-19 year old learners in East Devon. The Skills Funding Agency, the successor body to the Learning and Skills Council, has confirmed its support to developing the college.

Crediton farmer, John Lee, Chairman of Governors at Bicton College, says discussions concerning the establishment of a Federation for working with Exeter College was just what the college needed. "We needed to take radical steps to establish a positive and expansive future for the college. Those discussions and subsequent public consultations have been instrumental in helping us - and all of our stakeholders - to identify an appropriate and emphatic resolution to the problems previously faced by the college.

"The exercise opened everybody's eyes and the outcome has delivered new-found optimism and a commitment to establish a much more business-focussed learning environment at the College.