THE next generation of engineers and business leaders have taken part in their first day of studies at a £22 million academy.

Yesterday, the JCB Academy at Rocester, sited at the revamped grade-two listed Tutbury Mill, welcomed its first students.

The school aims to equip youngsters from Derbyshire and East Staffordshire with the knowledge and skills to drive forward the UK economy in future years.

Its curriculum will draw on the engineering expertise of the digger maker, as well as some of the region's other leading manufacturers, including Rolls-Royce, Bombardier and Toyota.

Yesterday, 120 year-ten pupils started lessons. They will be joined on Monday by 50 sixth formers.

Eventually, the academy – the first school of its kind in the UK aimed at 14-to-19-year-olds that focuses entirely on engineering – will cater for 540 youngsters.

Among the first pupils is Adam Nawaz, 14, of Rutland Street, Normanton.

The former Landau Forte pupil said: "The academy is fantastic. I had already had a look around before starting.

"I've wanted to be an engineer for a long time and I think this is probably the best place in the world to train for that. The facilities are brilliant."

The academy was the brainchild of JCB chairman Sir Anthony Bamford, who was at the academy to witness its first day.

He said: "I am passionate about engineering and committed to British manufacturing.

"We need the right calibre of young people to ensure that we continue to be a nation that makes things in an innovative way."