As the University of Central Lancashire prepares to celebrate its 190th birthday – they are asking for those with memories of the university to come forward.

Founded in Preston in 1828 the Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge was established by founder of the Temperance Movement Joseph Livesey.

Throughout 2018 the university will be marking its history and relationship with the city.

They’ve released a video of staff and students forming the shape of a giant 190 for a photo as part of the celebrations.

Vice-chancellor professor Mike Thomas said: “During our long and proud history the name above the door might have changed but the values have remained the same. Today we are a thriving global community with 38,000 students and staff and more than 181,000 alumni based around the world but our heart remains firmly in Preston where we are proud to play a key role in the future of the city and the region.

“This year’s 190th celebrations will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our rich heritage and look towards our exciting future.”

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The university is particularly looking for people who may have a generational link with the university throughout the years.

One of those is the McCormack/Moren family from Fulwood who represent three generations of graduates.

Frank Moren studied electrical engineering at the Harris Institute in 1952. In 1980 his daughter Gillian started at Preston Polytechnic where she met her future husband Colin McCormack. She returned to study a postgraduate course at Lancashire Polytechnic and in summer last year their son Rory graduated from a UCLan sports coaching and development degree.

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Colin said: “We’re very proud of our family’s connection to the institution. When my father-in-law attended in the early 1950s only the Harris Building was part of the campus and when my wife and I were students in the early 1980s there was fantastic vibe around the place and there was only a single halls of residence which I stayed in for my first year. After graduation we settled in Preston and raised our family here so when Rory decided to study at the University we were delighted because he was continuing the family tradition.

“To see how it has grown and developed over the years is wonderful and we look forward to joining in with the planned celebrations during the course of the year.”

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You can share your stories via the university’s dedicated 190 website or feel free to leave your memories of UCLan in the comments below