MATURE students are the key to the establishment of a university campus.

The University of the Third Age (U3A) is planning to establish a seat of learning in the Easington district and needs over 50-year-olds to get the venture under way.

Age Concern, Durham County Council and Easington District Council have joined forces to support the lifelong learning association in its bid to set up a branch in the area.

In its first move towards achieving its goal, U3A will stage a public meeting on Tuesday, November 27, from 2pm to 4pm, in the theatre at East Durham and Houghall Community College, in Burnhope Way, Peterlee.

As well as a guest speaker there will be entertainment by the Encore 50-plus arts and drama group, the screening of a video, a questions session and refreshments.

Members meet in an environment which encourages the philosophy of lifelong learning and a sense of belonging.

Members meet monthly, listen to lectures and take part in debates.

The University of the Third Age originated in France in 1972, at Toulouse University, and began in the UK in 1982.

U3As are democratic, self-managed organisations which draw on the knowledge of members to form study and activity groups.

Between them, they offer 300 subjects in art, foreign languages, music, history, life sciences, literature, poetry, theatre, philosophy, world faiths, crafts, field studies, archaeology, birdwatching and computing.

Further details are available from Age Concern locality officer Kathleen Young, on 0191-527 2359, or Louise Anderson, on 0191-527 0501. Transport can be provided for the meeting