Business school celebrates two decades.

STUDENTS from far and wide came together recently to celebrate two decades of Durham Business School's distance learning programmes.

Three former students who were part of the first ever cohort 20 years ago and blazed a trail for the thousands who followed, attended a special dinner at St Aidan's College as guests of honour to celebrate the overwhelming success of the programme.

There are currently 649 students from 77 different countries - from China to the USA and from Iceland to South Africa - enrolled on one of the school's prestigious distance learning programmes, underlining Durham's high international standing.

Since its launch in 1988, 1677 students have graduated from the programme which allows students maximum flexibility in choosing when and where they learn. Durham is also listed in the Financial Times' world Top 20 Business Schools for delivering this type of programme.

Prof Chris Higgins, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, attended on the night alongside distance learning staff, alumni members and current students and spoke of the many benefits of the programme.

Prof Higgins said: "Our outstanding distance learning programme has achieved great results in the past 20 years and has produced thousands of expert business leaders and graduates from around the world."

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HAPPY RETURNS Guests at Durham Business School's special dinner in honour of the overwhelming success of the distance learning programme. From left, Kevin Hinde, Guy Millen, Nigel van-Zwanenberg, Geoff Moore, Malcolm Goodman, Stephen Bulcock, Prof Chris Higgins, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University and Anthony Davies.