A NEW team has been established at the University of Sunderland to support the development of the institution and its students.

The main focus of the new development office is to support the University Development Trust with fundraising for the ongoing expansion of St Peter's Campus.

The trust, which is chaired by businessman Sir Tom Cowie, has raised several million pounds for the university over the past few years.

However, the team is already working on new projects to attract funds for all areas of the university.

These include a fund to give students the best possible chance of success once they leave university.

The fund will focus on access scholarships, grants to alleviate hardship and development awards.

Insurance company Royal and Sun Alliance has pledged £10,000 as a founding gift to the fund.

Other proposals include encouraging graduates and businesses to become involved in the future of the university and its students.

Jennifer Hopper, director of the development office, said: "We have a wide remit that will complement existing income streams for a whole range of activities across the university.

Ms Hopper's team includes Simon Gray, development manager, and Kimberley Moore, development administrator.