STUDENTS returning to one of Durham University's oldest colleges had to be found new accommodation this week after their living quarters were badly damaged in severe gales.

A spokesman for the university yesterday revealed how college authorities had to pull out all the stops to find 38 students temporary accommodation.

During the recent gale force winds, the residential wing of a St Cuthbert's Society building, in South Bailey, was badly damaged when a 14ft chimney stack crashed through the roof.

The premises were empty at the time and no one was hurt in the incident.

The spokesman added: "Thankfully none of the students were in residence.

"If they had been there, the consequences could have been very serious indeed.''

The damage caused by the falling chimney stack was extensive and will take several weeks to put right, with officials unsure how much it will cost.

"We knew the building could not be repaired in time for the beginning of term and university staff had to work flat out to find alternative accommodation for each of the 38 students,'' added the spokesman.

Principal of the college, Professor Roy Boyne, praised staff for the way they had operated after the storm damage.

He said it had been a massive job to contact all the students concerned.

Work has already started on repairing the building but, because of the extent of the damage, it is not expected that these will be completed until next term.

Other university buildings were also severely damaged during the storm, including the Business School, in Mill Hill Lane, and a student bungalow at St Aidan's College.

Peter Robinson, the university's director of estates and buildings said: "Thankfully no one was hurt and we will be working as quickly as possible to complete repairs.''