STUDENTS have welcomed councillors' backing for their campaign against higher tuition fees.

Durham City Council backed a resolution by Liberal Democrat councillors Carol Woods and Paul Leake attacking the Government's plans.

Durham Students' Union (DSU) has campaigned against the higher charges, saying they will discourage poorer students.

The council pledged full support for the DSU campaign and welcomed Labour MP Gerry Steinberg's opposition to the fees.

DSU president Craig Jones said: "This vote pledges the support of the city council for our stance in protecting the right of access to the best universities for young people in Durham City and beyond. We welcome this support as the coalition of opposition to this bill only seems to grow.''