The Ulster Young Unionist Council (the party’s youth wing), has described the support it received at the recent freshers’ fayres at Queen’s University and the University of Ulster (Jordanstown and Coleraine) as “truly remarkable”.

Over the last year, the UUP has shown signs of rebirth at senior level and appears to have stemmed the flow of support leaving the party. Now it is reporting an upturn in interest at student level.

Craig Blaney, chairman of the Jordanstown branch, said he was delighted with the response there “as the UUJ branch was only re-launched a few weeks ago”.

He added: “I wasn’t expecting miracles – however, the final result was not far off in my opinion.”

Queen’s University’s Unionist Association chairman Stephen Goss said the number of new members recruited far exceeded last year’s figures.

Meanwhile, thousands of students returning to college this month are being urged to protect their right to vote by filling in an online electoral registration form at aboutmyvote.com – the Electoral Commission’s new-look website, launched yesterday at Queen’s University.

Head of the Electoral Commission’s Office in Northern Ireland Seamus Magee said: “At the moment, one in three students are denying themselves a say in their future because they have failed to join the electoral register.

“In reality, an election can be called at any time, so it’s wise to be ready. Would-be voters who are not registered should click on to aboutmyvote.com to obtain a form.”