UNIVERSITY students will be able to travel home to Bolton - or leave town to be with loved ones - under newly-announced travel plans.

Government officials have created a 'travel window' for undergraduates between December 3 and 9.

Students are being asked to complete the current lockdown within their university accommodation first.

And then the student population will be allowed home via staggered departure dates set by their own institutions.

Officials say the travel window will mean students can travel having just completed the four-week period of national restrictions, reducing the risk of transmission to family and friends at home.

Universities Minister Michelle Donelan said: "We know this Christmas will feel different, and after this incredibly difficult year we are absolutely committed to getting students back to their loved ones in time for the Christmas break.

“But I know residents in Bolton might wonder how students leaving campus, or those coming back to the area, might affect them.

"I want to reassure everyone that we have worked really hard to find a way to do this for this group, while limiting the risk of transmission."

Universities will be asked to move learning online by December 9 so students can continue their education while also having the option to return home to study from there.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson also confirmed this week that the government will work with universities to establish mass testing capacity at their sites.