Construction work has begun on a new education hub for innovation at Durham University.

The £40m development will create a Centre for Teaching and Learning on Lower Mountjoy and will host a wide range of learning environments and technologies.

The facilities will allow students to share courses in real time with those from peer institutions around the world.

According to pro-vice-chancellor, professor Alan Houston, the centre is a key part of the university's strategy to ensure it offers world-leading research, education and student experience.

Mr Houston added: "It is the first new-build development to come forward under the strategy, and this reflects the fact that enhancing our teaching and learning - our students' education - is a key priority for us".

"We are excited to begin work on site, and we look forward to the centre welcoming its first students in 2019."

Planning permission for the development was granted in September, which also includes lecture theatres, teaching rooms, education laboratories, student learning zones and catering facilities.

In addition to the state-of-the-art facilities, the university expects the conference facilities will boost the local economy by around £2m a year.