WYCOMBE High School marked a new era last week as work on its much-anticipated multimedia centre began.

The school in Marlow Road, High Wycombe, is to have high-tech centre named Learn2 which will boast an Internet cafe, a larger library and study area featuring state-of-the-art technology.

To celebrate the start of the building work on the centre, the school held a ceremony, the turning of the first sod, on Monday, September 19.

Jane Wainwright, headteacher, said: "The youngest girls in the school were there to watch the foundations being started because they are the pupils who will benefit most. This time next year they and their fellow students will be enjoying a large library, computers, study facilities and a wonderful view over Wycombe."

Catherine Kirk, the school's librarian, conducted the ceremony after helping to lead the fundraising team of parents, staff, governors, former pupils and the School Guild. Ms Wainwright said: "She became the school's librarian in 1982 and has proved to be a constant source of encouragement and enthusiasm to the fundraising team."

Ms Wainwright said: "This centre has been made possible by the generosity of our parents and former students and staff of the school. Raising £500,000 within a few months was a tall order; they made it happen."