CHERIE Blair QC officially opened a new building at the University of East London yesterday.

Mrs Blair, opened the new Sir John Cass School of Education, a £10m teacher training facility on UEL's Stratford campus.

Speaking at the event, she said: “I have just been given a tour of the great facilities on offer here and I believe the Sir John Cass School of Education will be a catalyst for major change in the education landscape across London.

“Education transformed my life, without my education I would not have become a barrister or met Tony, which means I would not be standing before you today.

“Teachers do make a difference so it’s fantastic to be here where you are training the teachers of tomorrow.”

Cllr Peter Woolcott, the deputy mayor of Waltham Forest also attended the celebration.

The new facility accommodates more than 2,000 students and includes a dance studio, computer rooms, a professional kitchen, an art studio and science laboratories.