UNIVERSITY places could be on offer in Wiltshire by 2028, after a bid to launch a higher education establishment in the county was revealed.

The £300m multi-campus suite could be based in Salisbury, Corsham, and Swindon and will focus on providing science technology engineering and maths subjects, to fill a gap in local provision.

Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership is currently the only one in the country that does not have a university in its area.

At a recent meeting of Wiltshire Council's Children's Select Committee, councillor Chris Devine asked if there was enough demand in Wiltshire to build a university.

Jackie Tuckett from the council, said: "This is employer led, this is what businesses in the area are looking for and they are reporting a considerable skills gap."

Cllr Jon Hubbard added: “Helping young people to drive up aspirations and understand that their potential is is important.

"I really hope it will not be called the University of Swindon.”

The University of Wessex has been confirmed as the proposed name for the institution, which would offer education in multiple campuses across the county.