STUDENTS and staff gathered in Victoria Square calling for the reinstatement of Damien and Jennifer Markey, who were sacked for allegedly leaking information to the press about the vice-chancellor George Holmes.

The sackings of Damien and Jennifer Markey 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.

Shoppers were asked to sign the petition against the dismissals as part of an ongoing campaign to have them reinstated.

Students and staff spoke of their anger against the sackings and the "damage" it was doing to the reputation of the university.

Bernie Gallagher, branch secretary of of Bolton Unison, said: "We are passionate about the university, my son went there and is successful.

"The university is part of this town and we want it to succeed, the lectures and support staff are very good at what they do and are good people.

"The situation could be resolved by righting the wrongful dismissal and reinstate the two and immediately put relations a good footing."

Students said the publicity surrounding the sackings was damaging the university.

A special effects student, who did not want to be named, said: "Everybody is feeling the pressure and morale is down, lecturers are upset.

"The reputation of the university, and this course, where Damien has worked so hard to build links with the industry, is being damaged.

"This course is amazing, students have gone on to work on top projects because of Damien, but what will happen to it now."

Another first year student added: "My family have been saying whether I should look for another university because of the bad publicity around the university in the news."

A lecturer who did not want to be named added: "I am so livid about what has happened.

"Obviously we want Damien and Jenny to be reinstated but now there is an issue of trust."

A spokesman said the university was comfortable that all the correct procedures had been followed.