A RECORD number of students have started the new term at one of the region's universities.
More than 600 students were welcomed to the University of Durham's Stockton Campus at a matriculation ceremony in Stockton Parish Church yesterday.
The vice-chancellor, Professor Sir Kenneth Calman, welcomed the freshers at the ceremony.
The newcomers are the first to be able to take advantage of a £2.5m package of new facilities at the university, including a fitness suite, playing field and medical centre.
John Hayward, provost of the university, said: "The campus has matured rapidly since the inital intake of 190 students in 1992, and with applications increasing every year, the demand for additional facilities has increased in line with this expansion.
"With more than £17m invested in new social and academic facilities over the last two years we are creating a 21st Century learning environment."
The expansion is to continue with 70 places on a medical programme being offered next year as part of a course run with the University of Newcastle
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