After nine years at the head of the University of Bath, Vice-Chancellor David Vandelinde has announced he is to leave next summer.

Prof Vandelinde, 58, will move to the University of Warwick to take up his position as Vice Chancellor there from August 1, 2001.

During his years as Vice-Chancellor, Prof Vandelinde has seen student numbers increase by 40 per cent and has overseen more than £90m of construction and renovation. In 1999 he reached an agreement with Swindon Borough Council to create a new campus in Swindon, aimed at providing high quality advanced education for Swindon and Wiltshire.

"It was a difficult decision," said Professor VandeLinde, "but I have accomplished what I set out to do at Bath and will leave the University in a position of strength."