UNIVERSITY chiefs in Huddersfield today got the go-ahead to create new "satellite" centres in two other towns.

New university centres in Barnsley and in Oldham have received the green light.

Part of the £15m cost is expected to come from the Higher Education Funding Council for England, with more from grants - perhaps from Europe.

The first phase of a 10-year project to increase the number of students in university education in both towns will begin in August with the establishment of distinct university centres in each town.

Both will have their own dedicated buildings offering University of Huddersfield degrees. The University will transfer existing Higher Education courses from Barnsley College and the Oldham College and expand the curriculum.

Each centre will offer a wide range of courses in towns that have some Higher Education provision through their local colleges but no university and a high potential for growth. Higher Education staff and students at both colleges will transfer to the University.

Prof John Tarrant, Vice Chancellor of the University, said: "We are establishing University Centres in Barnsley and in Oldham, each functioning as part of the University of Huddersfield with the full support and co-operation of local partners.

"The aim is to widen participation in Higher Education to all who can benefit, particularly in areas where there is currently limited take-up of these opportunities.

"For social, cultural and financial reasons, many people are unable to travel to take up university places. We aim to take those opportunities out to them.

"The University of Huddersfield is building on the tremendous work Barnsley College and the Oldham College have already done in bringing Higher Education to their communities. We are a university that is firmly committed to widening participation in Higher Education.

"We are based in an adjacent local authority area to both Colleges and, like them, we operate in an area which retains a strong sense of local pride and identity. This is why we refer to this initiative as 'Towns Like Us' - an initiative to help other large towns to benefit from the positive effects that Higher Education has brought to Huddersfield."

Joe West, Principal of Barnsley College, said: "We are delighted with this development which builds upon much hard work in Barnsley and by College staff over a number of years, and which should provide much greater opportunity for local people to benefit from higher education.

"Whilst the College offers a number of degree courses, we felt that only a university could provide the expertise and resources needed to have a major impact. Huddersfield's record in widening participation and working with us make them the ideal partner."

Debbie Bridge, Director of Higher Education at the Oldham College and Business Management Schools, said: "I'm delighted to support the establishment of University Centre Oldham.

"There are many people living in the Oldham area of all ages who will benefit from being given this opportunity to experience a university education locally. "

The University commissioned a £60,000 feasibility study which identified potential for growth in both towns.

Targets have been set for 2,000 `full-time equivalent' students in each University Centre by 2010.