KENT University at Canterbury has launched an urgent appeal for private accommodation following one of its highest ever intakes of students.

An official said: "We would like to hear from landlords who might have holiday accommodation, or private householders with a spare room they could offer to students on a weekly paid basis."

A new range of courses and subjects, combined with the national increase in A-level results and links Kent has with partnership colleges, has meant more students being attracted to the city.

Returning under-graduates who had arranged on-campus rooms during the summer vacation, found they had been allocated to first year students and were told to find bed and breakfast, or hotel accommodation, while the situation was sorted out.

One fifth year student with progressive arthritis who had been told he could have a room close to his study area, had to return home to Hertfordshire after being told it was no longer available. A University official admitted this had been the case, but said it was the result of a mix-up. The man had now been found accommodation in Beverley Farm.

"To make matters worse a lot of students have arrived before we were expecting them," she added.

"Although the new term does not start until Monday (September 23), some turned up last week and the number has steadily increased.

We have no idea why this happened."

Anyone wanting to offer accommodation should ring the help line on 01227 827999.