A failing further education college in Mottingham has been taken over .

Capel Manor College, which has five other campuses across London, has absorbed Hadlow College, which fell into administration in May 2019 having racked up £40 million in debt.

The governing body formally agreed to the January 1 transfer of Hadlow's Mottingham Campus, including 186 students, 23 staff and all facilities, which will remain in the same location.

Malcolm Goodwin, Principal of Capel Manor College, said: “At Capel Manor College we are passionate about supporting London’s natural environment and offering opportunities to students to gain the best possible skills and experience and move into rewarding land-based careers.

"These include working with animals, wildlife, conservation and biodiversity, protecting and improving London’s trees and woodlands, designing and enhancing our green spaces and gardens, creating first-class floristry and events, helping us adapt to climate change and sustainably growing high-quality food for our futures.

“We are truly excited by the inclusion of the Mottingham Campus in our existing family of campuses across Greater London.

"We look forward to working with the staff and the students, as well as the local community and wider stakeholders, on the development of the Mottingham Campus.

"Together we will shape a future for people passionate about nature, the natural environment and London.”

Hadlow College offers a wide range of part-time, further and higher education courses, from dog grooming to floristry.

Graham Morley, interim principal of Hadlow College, added: "The transfer of the Mottingham Campus to Capel Manor College is an important step towards the eventual resolution of the financial issues facing Hadlow College, and removes some of the uncertainty for both the staff and students with regards to the future direction of the campus.

"It is, however, also sad to have to say goodbye to valued colleagues, all of whom have displayed the highest levels of professionalism in exceptionally challenging times.

"Without their daily efforts and commitment to their students, this transfer would not have been possible."