RUNCORN isn't the first place springing to mind as a design hot spot.

Only The Brindley has caught the attention of style gurus, with a nomination for a Civic Trust design award

But experts have praised another building for its intelligent design.

Runcorn Sixth Form College was singled out by the Learning and Skills Council and the Royal Institute of British Architects.

The practical benefits of its design were praised in a joint report on how colleges of the future should be built.

The report highlights many simple but effective design elements at the college.

It says the ground floor windows are too small for burglars, while the single, S-shape entry puts off ram raiders and stops draughts reaching reception.

Natural light is provided by a large atrium that ensures there are no dark corners, improving security.

And staff work in an open plan office where they can switch desks at will - and the whole of the college can be seen from four strategic locations so it can be fully open with minimal staffing.

College principal Paul Grainger said: "We have built probably the most modern sixth form college in the country in Runcorn and we now intend to provide Widnes students with comparable facilities.

"Our Cronton site has been undergoing a complete modernisation which will be ready for September 2005 and allow students to benefit from the latest educational technology and theories."