Gorleston-born celebrity Myleene Klass has cut the ribbon to officially open a new education centre in Great Yarmouth.

The singer and presenter, who studied at Cliff Park Academy and East Coast College, was the guest of honour for the opening of the new IntoUniversity centre inside Market Gates shopping centre.

IntoUniversity is a social mobility charity aimed at inspiring young people about their prospects.

The new hub - which is funded by the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Trinity College Cambridge - also offers extra-curricular academic support for people aged between seven and 18.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Myleene Klass with pupils inside the new IntoUniversity centre in Great Yarmouth. Picture - Sonya DuncanMyleene Klass with pupils inside the new IntoUniversity centre in Great Yarmouth. Picture - Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The former member of Hear'Say said: "It is so wonderful these educators are coming together. 

"There is so much talent and so much potential in the town.

"It is vital we have places like this to keep inspiring the younger generations and to make people achieve their potential."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Pupils had the chance to discover what Great Yarmouth's new IntoUniversity centre has to offer. Picture - Sonya DuncanPupils had the chance to discover what Great Yarmouth's new IntoUniversity centre has to offer. Picture - Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)

At the centre's opening educators, parents and pupils discovered more about what was on offer.

Homeschool student Riley Kingsmith, 15, has been receiving support from IntoUniversity since October to help supplement his education.

Riley said the projects he has taken part in with IntoUniversity have made him more aware of the pathways leading to his dream job of being a weather reporter or a specialist teacher.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Riley Kingsmith (centre) with his family inside Great Yarmouth's new IntoUniversity centre. Picture - Sonya DuncanRiley Kingsmith (centre) with his family inside Great Yarmouth's new IntoUniversity centre. Picture - Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)

"It's boosted my confidence a lot," he said.

"I've presented a lot of things and after taking part in projects around my interests, I am interested in going to University."

Centre manager Amy Rust said the hub takes different approaches to pupils, depending on their age. For primary pupils, IntoUniversity focuses on the national curriculum, whereas for secondary students, the charity provides more "tailored" self-study.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Amy rust, centre manager for IntoUniversity Great Yarmouth. Picture - Sonya DuncanAmy rust, centre manager for IntoUniversity Great Yarmouth. Picture - Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)

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Three primary schools and two secondary schools in the borough are currently working with IntoUniversity.

Ms Rust added: "We know that for some students, certain education opportunities might not be available to them.

"We are here to support these students and help them consider their options."

For more information, visit www.intouniversity.org/centre/intouniversity-great-yarmouth/

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A pupil inside the new IntoUniversity centre in Great Yarmouth. Picture - Sonya DuncanA pupil inside the new IntoUniversity centre in Great Yarmouth. Picture - Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)