STUDENTS from Bolton will travel to London later this month to protest against government funding.

Around 50 are expected to join students from across the country in a march past Downing Street to an NUS rally at Trafalgar Square on Wednesday, February 20.

Jon Clucas, president of Bolton Institute's Student Union, said: "We are using this day as a way of getting the message out to the public and the government. Our message is simple -- grants not fees.

"It is not fair to expect students to cope with such large debts on graduation. A few have families who can help them out financially but this is a luxury for a minority of students."

The students are all expected to wear red clothing.

New research suggests students work longer hours to limit their debts. The average graduate debt is around £12,000.