THE University of York's expansion plans have been boosted by comments from the Education Secretary, Charles Clarke.

Mr Clarke told the House of Commons that the Higher Education Funding Council would look favourably upon institutions that meet policies on improving access to education, when considering bids to expand student numbers.

The University of York, which does meet the targets for attracting students from poorer backgrounds, recently submitted a planning application to develop a 65-hectare site east of Heslington to meet the demand for places.

If approved, the new campus would allow student numbers to rise from 10,000 to 15,500 by 2020.

Mr Clarke, who was responding to a parliamentary question from York MP Hugh Bayley, refused to comment directly about the York bid.

But Mr Bayley told the Evening Press that he felt Mr Clarke's response was "very positive".

"It shows the Government is serious that access to university should be based on ability and not only through wealth and background," he said.

The boost comes as York is named as the top university in Yorkshire by The Sunday Times University Guide.

The prestigious academic guide, published tomorrow, also ranks the university sixth in the national league table, behind Cambridge, Oxford and three London universities.

University of York Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Cantor said: "The staff and students here produce work of great quality and I'm very pleased that this is recognised so publicly. I think it's a wonderful place to work and study, with a winning combination of excellence and friendliness.

"This includes a commitment to access for all, so that people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to study in one of Britain's best universities."

Updated: 09:39 Saturday, September 11, 2004