A NEW facility for youngsters with sensory deprivation and communication problems opened at Okehampton College last Tuesday week.

The Mill Meadow sensory room offers a multi-sensory learning environment for young people in the area with sight and auditory problems, or problems with communicating, including autism.

The project has been put together over the last eight months, with funding from the Mary Budding Trust and Okehampton United Charity making the plans a reality.

Okehampton College principal Daryll Chapman said: 'During the last few months we have seen the refurbishment of the Learning Support area of Okehampton College.

'We are delighted to have installed a new sensory room for the first time. This will serve students from Okehampton College and the eleven primary schools in the area.

'We are indebted to the Mary Budding Trust and Okehampton United Charity for providing the financial backing for this project.'

Anne Underwood from Community Lynx South West CIC and project manager for the sensory room said: 'It has been very exciting working in partnership with the college and local primary schools in order to provide this unique facility.

'The sensory room is a valuable resource and will be used to support students on a one-on-one basis. It will make a real difference to the learning of young people in the community.'

The sensory room equipment includes a giant bubble tube that changes colour, fibre optics, bean bags and a sound system with effect wheels that creates calming noises. Ultraviolet lighting improves concentration, and a sound wall promotes auditory skills. The equipment has been provided and installed by Experia.

The room will be fully operational with trained staff working with individual students in the spring term.