The declining number of students signing up at Huddersfield University's town centre campus has been blamed for its decision to pull out.

Barnsley College principal Colin Booth said they had been approached by the university to take over the running of the campus some weeks ago.

"The number of students were declining and they were concerned it would continue to decline and make the campus unviable," he said.

"I don't know what would have happened to it if we hadn't agreed to take over it. One of the option was that it would have been gradually run down and then closed."

Under the new arrangements the university will partner the collage and continue to oversee the validation and quality of the courses.

Mr Booth said there would be no difference in the quality of student experience or the standard of the qualifications they achieve and said he hoped they would be able to increase the number of students.

"We are absolutely hoping there will be more students.

"The university and the college think we're in the best position to grow degree level work and that's what we want to do."

The plan was developed in response to a new government policy which encourages the growth of affordable higher education through the college sector.

Mr Booth said fees for students would be reduced by about £2,000 a term.

He added: "Fees will reduce from £7,950 to £5,995.

"The thing that everyone needs to understand is that although there are fees, it's a loan and doesn't have to be paid back unless you are earning enough money.

"I certainly hope it won't mean the difference between some people studying and some not.

"It's not the fees that would be the biggest saving, it's staying local as there are no accommodation costs."

The college will manage higher education provision in the town from August 1 next year, and the delivery of University Campus Barnsley courses will also transfer to the college.

Mr Booth added: ""We have always delivered degree level work and nationally, I think about ten per cent of degree work has been delivered in colleges.

"We're hoping to offer a wide range of different courses and develop the way these courses are delivered.

"We are still working in partnership with the university and the university will still validate the degrees."

University of Huddersfield Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bob Cryan said:  “I believe the university and the college have found the best possible way to ensure that higher education in Barnsley can take full advantage of the government's policy and ensure that it continues to expand.  This is something that would not be possible for the university to achieve alone.”