WHEN York Central Diocesan Society opened its new training school for teachers in Monkgate, in 1841, not a single prospective student turned up.

Undeterred, they rearranged the opening for a week later - and one solitary student arrived, a 16-year-old called Edward Preston Cardukes.

From humble beginnings though, the institution has evolved and grown, recruiting thousands of students and diversifying into numerous new fields, and becoming York St John University.

This year, the university has been celebrating its 175th anniversary with various events around the city, as shown here.

A university spokeswoman said: "The historic anniversary year drew to a close with a fireworks display for the community in November and a Christmas carol concert in December enabling staff and students to look back on the past while reflecting on the values that have moulded York St John as the oldest higher education establishment in York."

The university also awarded 175 scholarships, each worth £1750, to the highest achieving new student entrants of 2016.