STUDENTS returning to a Taunton college this week will have noticed something different.

The educational establishment formerly known as Somerset College has a new name - it is now known as Bridgwater and Taunton College.

The change comes after the facility on Wellington Road merged with Bridgwater College earlier this summer.

College principal Mike Robbins said: "The headline is that it's business as usual, although over the course of this year there will be visible signs of the new college, such as new signage across the centres.

"In the meantime, we will continue to develop and mould the organisation to create an outstanding college with a bright future that will continue to benefit our communities."

Since the merger in June, bosses have been working to create one organisation providing students "access to the best teaching resources and facilities in the region".

The merged college operates across three main centres in Bridgwater, Taunton and Cannington, as well as satellite centres in Yeovil and Paignton.

It boasts approximately 28,000 students and 1,500 staff offering further and higher education courses and Mr Robbins claims it "offers one of the broadest range of subject in the South West".

He added: "Students are at the heart of everything we do and we will continue to ensure that they gain the skills and qualifications they need to take advantage of employment opportunities, both within and beyond our local communities."

At the time of the merger, Rachel Davies, principal and chief executive of Somerset College, previously known as Somerset College of Art and Technology, described the move as "the catalyst needed for university provision in Somerset".

She said: "The combined colleges with their large university student body, expertise experience and facilities will establish Somerset’s position as an appealing destination."