As reported in the Brechiner last week, the local authority's education committee was looking to develop the centre in a bid to reflect the increasing importance of 'hands on' courses in the national curriculum.

Welcoming approval of the initiative, the council's education convener Peter Nield said: "This is a good news story. The creation of an additional vocational learning centre in Brechin will give more Angus pupils the opportunity to gain skills and help them progress into further education or work.

"It builds on Brechin's designation as a School of Ambition by the Scottish Government and will enhance pupils' opportunities and achievements and prepare them for life and work in the 21st century.

"I am delighted that we will continue our excellent working relationship with Angus College to provide this additional support for our pupils," he added.

All Angus schools currently have access to accredited work based vocational learning for S3 and S4 pupils through a partnership with Angus College, but space is limited and there is more demand for places than the college can provide.

Councillors now hope that the new centre, which will complement one already successfully established at Forfar Academy, will offer construction, care and ICT courses. The facilities will also be made available to pupils of Montrose Academy and other schools.

Local councillors were delighted at the move. Speaking ahead of the vote education committee member Mairi Evans spoke of the "great opportunities" the centre will create for the youngsters and local businesses.

"What a fantastic thing for Brechin right now. It'll not just benefit Brechin but the area around it and will give a more balanced curriculum. It's a good chance to have hands on experience in those areas and is good for career opportunities.

"It is important as well to note that this is not just trying to make more plumbers or get more people in the trades... but to give balance to the curriculum. And it isn't just the young (who will benefit] but the wider community as well and I hope people will support it," she added.

Speaking later council leader Bob Myles was also pleased with the possibilities the new centre would open up.

"I totally concur with the statements of my fellow councillors and think it gives an excellent opportunity for the children of Brechin to develop skills without having to travel to Arbroath," he said.

"And I hope again that this can be rolled out in other schools in Angus," he added.