STUDENTS were last night mourning the death of a trainee Anglican priest who collapsed while exercising in her college gym.

Friends rushed for help as Claire Burton-Page lay unconscious in the fitness room at St John's College, in Durham University.

Efforts were made to revive the 24-year-old Anglo-French student, both at the college, in South Bailey, Durham, and in an ambulance.

Further resuscitation attempts were made on arrival at Dryburn Hospital, before death was confirmed.

The tragedy took place as the keen college rowing club member was using equipment in the fitness room, on what was only the second day of the new university term, on Tuesday.

Claire, a bi-lingual student from Paris, was in the first of two years at Cranmer Hall, part of St John's College, reading for a diploma in ministerial studies.

She previously studied in Paris, Strasbourg and Geneva, and was sponsored for ordination by the Anglican Diocese of Europe.

College principal, the Right Reverend Professor Stephen Sykes, last night spoke of the lengthy bid to resuscitate Claire.

"The medical teams and our own colleagues tried for well over an hour to save her life. I cannot speak too highly of their efforts.".

Prof Sykes said Claire would be deeply missed by everyone at Cranmer Hall and in the wider college community.

"She impressed all who met her with her sense of life and engagement with a wide cross-section of the community.

"She was a very delightful person, kindly, talented, independent-minded and generous.

College officials and Durham University have conveyed their deepest sympathy to Claire's parents, an English father and French mother, and other members of her family.