Banner year

No one could accuse the University of Leicester of underplaying its title as the current holder of Times Higher Education's University of the Year. To celebrate its triumph in the annual awards, the university has installed 42 banners along University Road in Leicester. In addition, staff have been given an extra day's holiday this calendar year "in recognition of their contribution towards this achievement". Vice-chancellor Bob Burgess said: "Winning the title is a tremendous success and represents another major milestone in the achievements of the university... (it) could not have been possible without the hard work of colleagues and a day's holiday is one way of recognising our appreciation for their efforts. We are delighted with the national accolade, which is a testament to the very high standing of the university."