A TOP Tory minister visited Worcester today - touring the £15 million University Arena to heap praise on the gold-cladded facility.

Conservative Justin Tomlinson, who has just been promoted to join David Cameron's Government for the first time, called it a "premier league" complex he wants the rest of the country to follow.

Mr Tomlinson is an MP for Swindon but is actually from Worcestershire, growing up in Kidderminster, and said he remembered the arena site when it was an old fruit and vegetable market.

It has been transformed since then under a pioneering University of Worcester project, and as centre of excellence for basketball and disabled sport.

The Minister for Disabled People said: "This building is amazing, it's a real hive of activity and what I really love about it is the fact it's bringing so many opportunities to so many people.

"People with disabilities want the same chances as everyone else to get on and take part in sport.

"Within seconds of taking on the role as the minister for disabled people Robin (Walker, Worcester's MP) invited me here, and it's thanks to him that I've been.

"What I also like about the arena is that it's sustainable - what I really want to do is scoop it up and take it to Swindon."

He also told your Worcester News he was impressed with the way the city is developing - suggesting the Government is taking notice.

"I remember Worcester when I was growing up and it's fantastic to see the development that has gone on," he said.

"The area is in the Premier League, it's something that has come off due to partnerships and I want to see more of this."

The 2,000-seater arena is home to Worcester Wolves basketball team and a UK centre of excellence for disabled sports, with an ever-growing international reputation.

During his visit he took part in a meeting involving university chiefs and business leaders, as well as Mr Walker, and got to see the facilities first-hand which are used by students, aspiring athletes and basketball stars alike.

He also talked with Baroness Sue Campbell, a former adviser to the Government on sport who now sits in the House of Lords.

Mr Tomlinson, who was first elected as an MP in 2010, has a majority of 7,060 in his North Swindon constituency.