A delegation from Croydon is lobbying the minister for universities to have a multiversity in the borough.

There are already 1,200 students at Croydon College studying for a degree from the University of Sussex.

The idea is to build on this so that residents could study for a degree from some of the best universities in the country while staying in Croydon.

And if those degrees could be completed in two years, rather than three, or studied part-time alongside a job then students would graduate with far lower debt.

Gavin Barwell, MP for Croydon Central, who is part of the delegation, said: "I think a multiversity is a great concept.

"It would be good news for our economy and good news for local students and I will do everything I can to help the council and Croydon College bring it to fruition."

The borough is the largest city or town in the country without a university. The number of residents with a degree level qualification is significantly below the London average.