TOP British artist Stuart Semple went back to his roots to open a new £1million art and design centre at Bournemouth and Poole College.

Bournemouth-born Mr Semple, who studied at the North Road, Poole site in the 1990s, met current students and even a fellow student, Kim Barham, who now lectures there.

Mr Semple founded the Aubin Gallery in London, dedicated to nurturing British talent, and has had hugely successful exhibitions all over the world including New York, Hong Kong and Milan.

Fans of his work include Lady Gaga and Sienna Miller.

His dedication to contemporary painting saw him produce over 3,000 images by 21 and he is influenced by 80s pop. The new building at Poole is called the North Light Centre and takes in light from the north to reduce glare.

Mr Semple said: “This is really amazing, to come back to more or less where it all began for me and see what today’s students are up to.

“The old building where I studied was quite run down. In winter we often had to wear our overcoats it was so cold.”

College estates manager Colin Wills said: “It looks fantastic inside and, as word spreads, I have no doubt it will attract some great young talent from our region.”