LABOUR'S Education supremo David Blunkett came to Bolton yesterday to promise the town's Institute university status and claim he scented victory for his party in the air.

The Shadow Education Secretary said that the Institute had met all the current conditions for elevation and would set no precedents.

Therefore, subject to the expected favourable expert recommendations he hoped to be able to award it University status soon after Labour won the election. Mr Blunkett said:"I am very hopeful of being able to help.

"It looks very positive.''

His remarks were welcomed by Institute principal Professor Bob Oxtoby and Bolton West Labour candidate Ruth Kelly who promised to keep up the pressure on the government for elevation if elected.

But Mr Blunkett - who is blind and trained his first two guide dogs Ruby and Ted on the streets of Bolton - detected a change of mood from his visit to the town in the 1992 election.

He said:"Last time I knew we had lost when I came to Bolton. This time I detect a change of mood. I think we will win. Bolton is a hard-headed place and a good town to judge these things."

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