STUDENTS are unlikely to get their money back from a York college which has gone into liquidation, it was revealed today.

York Business College, in Museum Street, stopped trading on April 24, after 17 years in the city.

Students at the college will not be able to complete any training courses at the college, and Julian Berry, of liquidators Grant Thornton, said: "It is unlikely that students who have pre-paid will receive their money back after the Government has had its bite of the cherry."

He said the biggest creditors were college directors Michael Milburn and Nigel Hildred, who are owed £145,000. He said any students who are awaiting results or have any papers at the college should contact him at Grant Thornton urgently.

He added that ten students had contacted him so far.

Michael Saville, a partner with Grant Thornton, has written to all students and employers affected by the college's closure.

A meeting of creditors will be held at the college's offices at River House, Museum Street, at 10.30am on Wednesday. Anyone with a claim against the college has been invited to attend.

Updated: 11:18 Friday, May 16, 2003