THE University of Bradford will mark its 50th anniversary with 50 specially made videos capturing the "essence" of the institution.

Videos uploaded on to the University website throughout the year will tell stories of students, alumni, honorary graduates, staff and office-holders spanning five decades.

And subjects will range from rowing across oceans to negotiating in the Middle East, working in remotest Uganda to winning University Challenge.

The University has also announced the first few events that will mark the landmark year of celebrations. This includes the installation of new chancellor Kate Swann, one of the UK's leading businesswomen, on Thursday, February 25.

Prime Minister Harold Wilson, also the first chancellor at the University, helped open the institution in 1966, although it has been part of Bradford in different forms since the early 1800s.

When it first opened it had 2,694 full time students - now it has more than 15,000 studying in the UK and overseas, and last week it was named one of the most "international" universities in the world.

Being released throughout 2016, each of the 50 videos provides a glimpse into the life of the interviewee and explains how their experience at the University has shaped and influenced them.

The first is a short film about John Horton, who was a senior library assistant with the University from its beginning in 1966.

John talks about being paid £875 per year and his experiences acting as orator to introduce honorary graduates on graduation day. He offers an insight into former Prime Minister Harold Wilson as the first Chancellor, and highlights the pioneering nature of the University in areas such as peace studies, industrial technology, environmental science and the application of science to society.

The second video to be uploaded so far features Felix Kankwamba a student and Media and Entertainments Officer in the student union. He talks about not knowing where Bradford was when he first applied to the university, to the city becoming his home.

The University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Cantor, said: “These videos are a wonderful celebration of the University, its anniversary, the role it has played over the last 50 years and its continuing influence now and in the future.

"The stories are diverse, fascinating and inspiring and are a tribute to the University’s community and the impact they have on the world.”

Other events being held this year include a 50th anniversary alumni celebration on Saturday March 19, which will feature panels, debates, lectures and a tour of the university for those who may not have been on campus for years.

A diversity festival will be held on Monday, April 18, and the Vice Chancellor's End of Year Celebration on May 18.

To view the first few videos visit http://www.brad.ac.uk/50/stories/