A new college aimed at plugging the skills gap in the motorsport industry has been launched this week.

The National College for Motorsport is a partnership between Tresham Institute in Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes College and Oxford and Cherwell College.

Backed by the Government, East Midlands learning and skills councils and mototsport bodies, the college will provide practical courses aimed at race and rally mechanics.

It will provide the first industry-specific, motorsport technicians’ training programme in the UK.

The launch follows Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt's pledge to invest £16 million to help sustain and develop UK motorsports, which are largely based in the Esat Midlands.