PRESTON'S University of Central Lancashire is joining forces with Lancaster University to promote medical and health education in the region.

Joint projects between the two universities include the development of a Health Research and Development Support Unit; a credit exchange programme where post-graduates can take up modules at the other university; and a health forum where professionals can discuss ideas with academics.

Alan Roff, deputy-vice chancellor at the UCLa, said: "This new collaboration will lead to exciting developments in academic research and health care delivery."

The UCLa will be branching out into Cumbria, it was revealed this week.

Newton Rigg College in Penrith will merge with the University thanks to support from the Further Education Funding Council.

Vice-chancellor Brian Booth said: "We are committed to developing a centre of international excellence in environmental management at Newton Rigg."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.