PROUDLY clad in their gowns, thousands of students formally marked the start of their life at university.

Durham University held matriculation ceremonies for around 4,000 undergraduates and 3,000 postgraduates, who formally became members of the university as a representative from each college signed the matriculation book at Durham Cathedral.

Michael Sadgrove, the Dean of Durham, welcomed the students to what he described as "a beautiful region", telling them that they will soon feel at home.

He spoke of the recent Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition in the city whilst explaining the cathedral’s religious importance as the resting place of St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede.

Prof Chris Higgins, Vice Chancellor of the University, told students: "Today is one of the most important days of your life", adding that despite the institution recently coming top in a quality of life league table, being a student also means a lot of hard work.

This year sees a large increase in the number of postgraduate and international students coming to the city. Speaking to the Northern Echo, Prof Higgins commented: "The University is increasing the number of postgraduate students continually, and they will bring a lot more maturity being that much older and wiser.

"Also, of course, they will be here the whole year round whereas undergraduates tend to only be here during term time so the city will be that much livelier which I think will be very positive indeed for the city."