ACCLAIMED BBC television presenter and scientist Prof Brian Cox opened Altrincham Grammar School for Boys’ new physics centre.

Prof Cox toured the new £1million facility – which has four labs, a preparation room and both staff and sixth form areas – and did practical demonstrations with pupils from years eight, 10 and 12.

He unveiled a plaque to mark the centre’s official opening, before contributing to the burial of a time capsule to celebrate the school’s centenary and delivered a lecture.

And Prof Cox – who recently presented Science Britannica – was naturally delighted to be opening a facility close to his heart, adding sciences were a worthwhile career path to budding physicists.

“It is a tremendous building and they are very fortunate to have it,” he said.

“You should do what you enjoy and I think physics is tremendously enjoyable.

“It is a very sensible thing to do, but with all the pressures on you today, do what makes you happy and what you find enjoyable.

“We are short of physicists in this country so this is the kind of things to come.

“It is the future of our civilisation. You need facilities like this and we did not have buildings of this quality when I grew up so it is interesting to see.

“It is important to get scientists from as many places as possible and cast the net as wide as possible across the country.”

Trafford Mayor Dylan Butt also attended the ceremony and said, “This centre is very pragmatic and can tap into scientific power. It is such an exciting time for this generation of students.”

Headteacher Tim Gartside said: “Prof Cox has inspired people of all ages to see physics and science in a positive light.

“We are delighted someone so charismatic and engaging joined us to officially open the new centre.”