Essex University is one of the best in the country for gay, lesbian and bisexual students, according to a survey.

The university scored full marks in Gay By Degree 2015, an online guide compiled by gay rights charity Stonewall.

The guide measures each of the UK’s 158 universities against ten criteria to show how well they support gay students.

The checklist includes whether the university has a policy to tackle homophobic bullying, whether there are societies and events for gay students, and what steps they take to support gay staff.

Essex University is one of only six universities to meet all ten criteria.

Student union president Chantel Le Carpentier said: ‘We’re so proud to have earned 10/10 in Gay by Degree 2015.

“It’s extremely important all our students are as happy as they can be, and that they feel comfortable and safe on campus.”