BOLTON Institute on Thursday officially became The University of Bolton - ending months of speculation over its name.

The UK's newest university was granted the official status last year after a long battle by students and staff.

The Privvy Council has rubber stamped the name change to begin a new era for higher education in the town.

Other names that had been put forward for the 8,000 student facility included Bolton Institute University, West Pennines University, Bolton Leverhulme University and, controversially, North Manchester University.

Vice-chancellor, Mollie Temple, said: "This is an historic day in the life of our university."

Full details and reaction on Friday