CANTERBURY Christ Church has cranked up its campaign for full university status with a 40th anniversary reception in the House of Commons.

VIPs including bishops, university chiefs, business leaders and MPs were told about the bid during the event.

The establishment has seen student numbers soar from 67 in 1962 to 13,000 today and was granted university college status a few years ago.

Now it believes its wide spread of courses, student achievement and quality of teaching across three campuses--Canterbury, Broadstairs and Tunbridge Wells--should convince the Government to allow it to be called a university, raising both profile and funding. Bosses are optimistic, although they admit privately that some political obstacles have to be overcome first.

Professor Michael Wright, the principal, said: "We will achieve full university designation, not just because it would be a nice thing to happen for us but because it will properly recognise the achievement of our students and allow us to play an even fuller part in the community we serve."

Julian Brazier, Canterbury MP who hosted the event, has given his backing. He said: "I'm going to strongly support university status. We are three-quarters there and we have to persuade ministers. We won last time and we are going to win again."

College chiefs had hoped to advance their cause with Margaret Hodge, the higher education minister who was expected at the reception. But she was unable to come at the last minute.

Prof Wright said the college, a Church of England foundation, would continue to be a caring and friendly institution.

"We will continue to play a major and increasing role in the economic, social and cultural life of Kent and further afield, both on our own and in partnership with others."

Other guests included past principal Michael Berry (1975 - 1997) and Sir Ray Candlish, one of the first students. Sir Ray, who studied mathematics and teaches the subject at an independent school in London, said he had enjoyed his time in Canterbury.

"It was very friendly and Canterbury was a very pleasant place. When I returned for a reunion this year, I was amazed how much the city had grown."