East Northamptonshire Council leader Andy Mercer said another county university was necessary to cope with the major growth in the area which has already seen the population of his district rise from around 45,000 in 1974 to more than 85,000 today.

His comments come after the Evening Telegraph launched a campaign to back the bid for a campus in the area.

Cllr Mercer said: "I would like to add my voice to those arguing for one of these to be in north Northamptonshire.

"With the population that north Northamptonshire already has, let alone the growth that is planned, a university is needed to attract high quality jobs to the area, and will raise local aspirations and educational achievements."

During his speech last week, Cllr Mercer also said the council would lobby the Government for improvements to the Chowns Mill roundabout on the A45 near Rushden and the A605 Barnwell junction near Oundle.

To show your support for the bid for a university campus in the north of the county visit www.northantset.co.uk.