VETERAN actor Edward Fox has opened the new horticulture glasshouses at Kingston Maurward College.

The award-winning actor, best known for his role in The Day of the Jackal, visited the Dorchester college with his wife Joanna David.

He took the opportunity to take a look around the college grounds yesterday and speak to horticulture students.

Around 40 guests, including school governors, local businesses and dignitaries, were invited to the opening.

Mr Fox said: “It’s a privilege to us to be invited to come here and I couldn’t mean that more sincerely. We haven’t been here before which is absolutely shameful.

“We are lucky enough to have a daughter and granddaughter who adore gardens, who we will bring here and we will come often if we may.

“It is a great treat for us to come and I congratulate everybody who works here for making it so magnificent.

“I think what both Jo and I will go away thinking about today is the importance of inspiring the young.”

The actor became interested in the project after befriending the college’s resident blacksmith, Simon Grant-Jones.

His wife Joanna was presented with a special bunch of flowers which was created by students. She said: “This college is the most inspiring educational facility I have ever been to and the students are absolutely inspired in their vocational work.”

Mr Fox added: “I thought it would be quite impossible at my age to be inspired again. At 10.30 this morning that was my view on life. I’ve now completely changed my point of view thanks to today.”

The £850,000 glasshouse project has replaced two outdated existing polytunnels, a non-operational smaller greenhouse built in the 1960s, and dilapidated tool sheds, bringing the college to the forefront of technology in its field.

The majority of the six-month build was funded by a grant from the Skills Funding Agency, together with a substantial contribution from the college’s governors.

The new buildings will house classrooms, tool stores, learning resources and growing facilities for students.

Principal Clare Davison said: “It’s really exciting. We are thrilled that Edward and Joanna have come to the college and have been able to speak to the students.

“They are very interested in what we do and the student experience and I hope they will visit again.

“We have been opening state of the art facilities so these students are getting to experience the leading edge in horticulture education.”