SUFFOLK: From its small beginning, Otley College has grown steadily over the last four decades.

Today, as the popular institution celebrates its 40th anniversary, the college’s principal spoke of his pride at the milestone.

Philip Winfield, who has led Otley for the last seven years, visited The Evening Star’s offices to deliver a birthday cake marking the newspaper’s own landmark year – our 125th birthday.

While the Star has been busy celebrating a century and a quarter of dedication to Ipswich, staff and students at Otley College are hosting a year of events to mark its special anniversary.

Set up in 1970 as an agricultural centre, Otley has diversified radically and now offers students a huge range of courses and facilities.

Mr Winfield said: “We are delighted to have reached our own landmark and would like to congratulate The Evening Star on reaching 125 years.”

Over the past 40 years, the college has expanded, allowing more than 100,000 students to develop their knowledge and skills.

Since its early days, the site has been developed to include sports fields, construction centres, a farmhouse business and new classrooms.

Mr Winfield, who handed the cake over to Star editor Nigel Pickover, said: “The Star has successfully served the local community for over a century and this achievement is worth saluting.

“It was great to meet up for the double celebration and we are proud of the achievements we have made.

“We must have taught around 100,000 students since opening and the courses we teach are continually developing and expanding.”

n What are your memories of Otley College through the years? Write to Your Letters, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk