Applications to the University of Bedfordshire have increased by 35 per cent.

According to the latest figures from the admissions services UCAS, there were 70,000 more students applying to study at the county's university increased by June 30 than there were 12 months ago.

These figures do not include late applications or people who want to study part-time.

Professor Les Ebdon, who is vice chancellor of the university, called for additional places to be made available by the government to satisfy demand.

He said: "It is unsurprising that a record number of people want to study at university.

"Attainment and aspiration are rising and the labour market remains difficult.

"Nationally, the largest increase (23 per cent) in applications is from people over 25 who want to tart courses which will help them re-focus their careers.

"Even for younger people, the 15 per cent increase in applications confirms that there is a real willingness to gain a graduate qualification rather than join the unemployment queue."

Prof Ebdon added: "We are delighted so many students want to come to Bedfordshire to study and it is no surprise, given our high-quality teaching, employability record and the fantastic new campus centre opening this autumn in Luton.

"But my concern is for those students who will be unable to find a place because of the cap on numbers we can take.

"Instead of fining universities if they recruit more students than they have been allocated, the government should now fund additional places."