MONDAY will be a historic day for Warrington.

The new University of Chester will officially open its Warrington campus, at Crab Lane, Fearnhead.

The opening will formally confirm Warrington's status as a university town.

Staff, guests and former students have been invited to witness the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by the Mayor of Warrington, Clr Hans Mundry.

Warrington Wolves players will be among the guests invited to the opening ceremony as the campus boasts a successful sports development programme.

Later in the week the university is also unveiling specially commissioned hand-carved ceremonial furniture, and a new, individual design of ceremonial gowns.

The gowns will have a white border, with a red stripe that is derived from the colours of the original Chester College coat of arms.

Students graduating from the Padgate campus will wear the gowns during their graduation ceremony.