AN attempt by a pub to extend its opening hours has come up against objections from an unlikely quarter.

A group of students were the main objectors to an application by the Hogs Head pub, in Durham, to remain open until midnight six days a week.

The pub had applied for a Public Entertainment Licence, which would allow it to stage discos and live bands, and also stay open later.

But students living in university accommodation backing on to the Saddler Street venue said extra noise would stop them from sleeping and studying.

At Durham City Council's licensing panel meeting yesterday, councillors granted the pub a probationary six-month entertainment licence, to run until 11pm Mondays to Thursdays and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

At yesterday's hearing, at the Town Hall, the panel heard from Professor Maurice Tucker, the master of University College, Durham, who said the college had 120 students, mostly first-years, living behind the pub.

Prof Tucker said they needed quiet in the evenings to study and sleep. He said that since the accommodation block was built in 1970, Saddler Street had changed beyond recognition and that there were now several restaurants and pubs there.

He said: "Students already have to cope with the noise from pubs and restaurants, but also early mornings, from 5.30am to 6am, when there are deliveries to pubs and collection of bottles."

Roger Cornwell, from the City of Durham Trust, was also concerned about the effect on nearby students, about 20 of whom had sent letters of objection to the council.

He expressed concern that the application was an excuse to let the pub serve alcohol until midnight.

Solicitor Michelle Hazelwood, representing the Hogs Head, said the venue only wanted to play live music and hold discos.

She said the business received drinks deliveries at about 7am and that students would benefit from the licence extension.

She said: "My client can confirm students are returning to their accommodation throughout the night.

"There is much frivolity and antics involved in being a student. That is what students do. They have fun and they make noise."