Disappointed students who have received their A Level results today can call the University of Cumbria’s Clearing hotline for help and advice.

The University has set up a call centre to deal with the hundreds of calls expected over the next days and weeks from students looking for places starting in September.

There are predicted to be some spare places on various courses across the universities campuses, including Carlisle, Penrith, Ambleside, Workington, Lancaster and London.

“This is obviously a difficult time for students who didn’t get the results they had hoped for but my advice is not to panic and to give us a call,” says Marianne Harris-Bridge, Interim Director of Marketing and Recruitment.”We have opportunities available and there are options for everybody.

“We have courses in areas such as Sport, Business,Law and Computing and even if we don’t have the exact course a student wants, we might be able to offer something which can set them off down the right career path.

“Our call centre staff are trained to offer advice and support and they can put you through to course leaders and lecturers who can discuss which course is the right one for each individuals needs.

“Numbers of places available are changing all of the time so it’s worth just picking up the phone and making an enquiry.”

The university is also holding an Open Day at Lancaster, Carlisle and Penrith campuses on Saturday 20 August to give students and their families the chance to tour the site and meet staff and fellow students.

Marianne added: “Cumbria is ideal for students who wish to stay close to home or those who are moving here to study with us. We offer a friendly welcome and great opportunities.

“Importantly, more than 90% of our students are in employment or further study six months after graduating so we can offer great careers too.”

• The Clearing call centre (08080 024 024) is open on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 August from 7.00am to 7.00pm, 9.00am to 5.00pm on Saturday 20 and 10.00am to 4.00pm on Sunday 21 August. Visit www.cumbria.ac.uk/clearing for more information.