THE Government has backed a trailblazing £24 million university scheme which will bring 6,000 students to the Medway area by 2010.

It was confirmed today that The Higher Education Funding Council is to hand over the first £4 million of Government cash towards the so-called Universities at Medway project.

Jefff Brown, director of Higher Education Operations of the University of Kent at Medway, said: "This is the biggest vote of confidence in the future of Medway since the closure of the Dockyard. Medway is fast becoming a university town. This investment will make that change bigger and better."

The Queen will unveil a stone plaque marking the exciting development when she visits Medway on March 28.

The go-ahead means that work can begin later this year at the Pembroke site in Chatham Maritime. It is set to transform Medway into a magnet for students from the local area and beyond

The increase in graduates is set to ease skill shortages and maintain economic progress in North Kent. It will mean that Medway will be "home" to as many students as are at some major universities.

The Medway university development will also provide a massive boost to the local economy with new jobs in a wide range of areas, from building to leisure. It will also to transform the Medway social scene, providing the "buzz" which gives university towns much of their character.