THE late Sir Peter Ustinov opposed the closure of a department at Durham University where he was chancellor.

A few months before his death, the actor and racconteur wrote a letter expressing his views about Durham University's decision to axe its Department of East Asian Studies, which teaches Japanese and Chinese language and culture.

A campaign opposing the move has made the letter public now because it says the university has decided to replace full degree courses with the equivalent of a few hours of language evening classes.

It hopes that even now pressure may force the university to re-think the decision.

The move is part of an £8.7m restructuring that will enable the university to strengthen what it considers key areas such as chemistry and geological sciences.

But opponents have questioned the university's reasoning and believe the course is of great importance to the country.

In his letter to department head, Don Starr, Sir Peter said he had told vice-chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman of his views about the 'destruction' of what he called 'a valid and valuable department into something basically different.' He also revealed that former Tory Prime Minister Ted Heath had expressed his concern about the move.

Edward Radcliffe, of York, who took the course and is now a businessman, said the university was 'needlessly destroying a department of great value to the nation.'

He said the closure came as China and Japan were growing in importance for the North-East in particular and the UK as a whole.

The equivalent of evening classes would not 'equip students for careers linked to East Asia' and probably would not qualify for financial support.

Mr Starr, said: "We are very grateful for Sir Peter's support as made clear in this note. Sir Peter was somebody who understood the importance of language and culture and, as such, was opposed to the decision."

A university spokesman said letters had been received from various MPs across the country on behalf of constituents who were students or former students.

He stressed the decision was final. "There is no option to keep the department open because it wouldn't make sense in terms of investing in the academic strengths of the university."