STUDENTS at the University of Bolton have called for sacked staff to be reinstated — saying their dismissal is leading to "to a state of panic and concern" over their education.

The sackings of Damien and Jennifer Markey — for allegedly leaking information to the press about vice-chancellor George Holmes — follow reports about the vice chancellor receiving a bridging loan of nearly £1 million to buy a house in Bolton and about the cost of staff away days.

Mr Markey, a senior lecturer in visual effects and his wife, an academic administrator, both deny any involvement in leaking information.

A campaign is underway to reinstate the two.

In a statement, students said: "We as a student body feel that this sacking of two of the university’s staff members is unfair and unjustified."

Students say that they only found out about the sackings a week after the incident and that questions about why they were not told were avoided.

The statement added: "This is no way to treat students paying so much for their education and a lack of respect seemed to be apparent throughout this meeting.

"We are concerned for our teaching staff, many of which are over worked due to having to pick up Damien’s assignments. This is leading to a state of panic, and concern over our education.

"This course is driven by Damien’s involvement, and has only prospered due to his hard work and dedication, to both the course and the university.

"It is a great shame to lose a lecturer that has worked so hard over the past 10 years to build up the course into one of the leading S/VFX courses in the United Kingdom."

A spokesman for the university said: "Students can be confident that the change in staffing will not adversely affect them.

"When there is a breakdown in any relationship involving two parties who themselves have responsibilities to others who rely upon them, all efforts should be made to protect the reliant individuals from involvement in the breakdown.

"The university is committed to ensuring that students are not affected or involved in such cases.

"The university is confident that the change in staffing will not adversely affect the relevant students.

"If a student has any basis for these concerns they should raise them immediately with the university.

"We have been notified of no such concerns."