THE University of Worcester's vice-chancellor has spoken of his sadness at Brexit - after anxiously trying to establish what it means for students.

Professor David Green has revealed how the university has 441 students from other EU nations, with 27 of the 28 member states represented.

The Worcester News can reveal how the university has already taken advice from the authorities, and has told its pupils there will be "no immediate implications" for them.

But Professor Green, who campaigned passionately for Remain, said he fears life will become "more difficult" for universities across the nation as the referendum fallout develops.

He has also called upon everyone at the university - which has 11,151 students - to stay together "for the common good".

During the campaign he was one of Worcester's biggest advocates for EU membership, warning of the consequences of quitting the bloc.

He said: "The university has received authoritative advice from Universities UK, which advises there are no immediate implications for students or staff who are EU or European Economic Area nationals.

"Over the next weeks and months the practical implications of the result of the referendum will unfold and the university will make sure colleagues, students and prospective students are kept as well informed as is possible on all directly relevant matters.

"There is no doubt the environment facing UK universities generally will become more difficult outside the EU.

"The University of Worcester will have the best possible prospects of negotiating this difficult new environment by becoming an even more popular choice of university at which to study."

He added: "It is essential that we all work together for the common good.

"I know we can depend on all our staff and students, whatever their views on political questions and Britain’s membership of the EU, to stand fast for democracy and the very best of human values."

The vice-chancellor has also called upon the Government to allow the university to educate more teachers and nurses from this September to help solve shortages.

During the referendum campaign there were fears a clampdown on immigration would spark havoc with filling NHS vacancies in particular.