The tourism and hospitality sector has welcomed the government's plans for a dedicated college in the Lake District.

The government is to encourage more young people to follow careers in the industry with the launch of a Centre for Vocational Excellence for hospitality and catering at Lancaster and Morecambe College.

The centre, revealed by Education and Skills Secretary, Estelle Morris, is part of a wider scheme to create 16 new centres in colleges, which focus on raising standards of skills in diverse subjects.

Tourism Minister, Kim Howells, says the location of the college is appropriate: Only high skills can bring high employment and economic good fortune to Cumbria. The hospitality industry is no exception and this centre for excellence will do just that.

Kevan Doyle from Springboard, the organisation promoting careers in the industry, says the college will boost skills in the industry: If it is properly funded, the college is a very welcome addition to the area and gets our full backing. The Lakes already has a reputation for excellence and this is a great way to ensure it continues.

The British Hospitality Association also backs the centre, and 'hopes to see more of them opened across the country'.

Backed by the CBI and the National Training Organisations, the £100m, three-year project will start work in September, with colleges invited to propose further centres by December.