FORTY years of the University of York were being celebrated today with the biggest party the university has ever seen.

Chancellor Dame Janet Baker and vice chancellor Professor Brian Cantor hosted the special reception on the Vanburgh College piazza.

Two members of staff who have worked at the university throughout the 40 years cut a giant birthday cake.

Margaret Prosser, secretary to the librarian, and Professor John Hutton, head of economics and related studies, both joined the staff in 1962.

They were given the honour of cutting a 4ft x 2ft birthday cake donated by the university's commercial services department.

Archive footage of the construction of the university and the Queen's visit was screened and a student jazz band played a selection of popular hits from the last 40 years.

There was also a special prize draw with prizes donated by companies who have built up a strong relationship with the university.

Organiser Dominic Boyd said: "We all recognise that the university's successes are a team effort.

"All members of staff, whether cleaners or computer technicians, receptionists or researchers, have reason to celebrate 40 years of achievement."

The university was set up in 1962 with 200 students and has now grown to become one of the top seats of learning in the country.

It now employs more than 2,500 people - making it one of the biggest employers in the region.

Other events taking place as part of the celebrations will be a reunion dinner in October, to be attended by some of the university's founding students.

Meanwhile, the University of York's media awards held at the Hilton Hotel looked back at the news which made the headlines during the 40th anniversary year, 2002/03.

Representatives from all the university media societies, including film, newspaper, magazine, television and radio were there.

Student politics, sport and scandal all made the news in one form or another, as did pressing national issues such as the war.

Hosted by Students' Union president Tom Connor, the highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Media Personality of the Year Award by Evening Press assistant editor Bill Hearld.

Gill Rickson, former University Radio York station manager, scooped the award for her outstanding contribution to the society throughout the course of her degree studies.

Updated: 08:43 Tuesday, June 24, 2003