High-tech help for education is the name of the game at Luton's state of the art new learning centre, which was officially opened on Tuesday morning.

Since the elearning@luton complex in Sundon Park Road opened for business in November more than 2,000 pupils have passed through its doors from every one of the town's secondary schools and 30 junior schools.

They've been quick to take advantage of a 16-station cybercafé, two suites of 13 high-power computers kitted out with software that can help with studying a range of subjects from Shakespeare to symphonic composition, a music and technology studio and a performance area – facilities which are also available for community use.

The £1.2m project next door to Lealands High School was declared open by the Mayor of Luton, Cllr Michael Dolling, standing in for secretary of state for education Charles Clarke who had scratch his name from the guest list at the last minute.

Among the other guests at the opening was Luton-born pop star Mark Joseph, fresh from a Monday night appearance on TV quiz show Never Mind The Buzzcocks, who said he was extremely impressed by the range of music facilities available to today's students.