Students at the University of York were today taking part in a national protest at proposals to levy a £1,000 tuition fee.

Jenny Wood, president of the students' union, believes the new charge could have a disastrous effect on education by pricing potential students out of the market.

"Every year there are students who are forced to leave because of the financial pressures," she said.

"The Government has already reduced the maintenance grant and now wants to bring in tuition charges from October but there is still a lot of confusion about how students will meet the cost."

A torchlit procession has been organised on the campus this evening.

A thousand cheques for £1,000 will be burned and students were boycotting lectures today.

The Government is proposing an annual charge of £1,000 should be made from next October.

Students will be able to take out a loan to cover the charge.

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