A heritage stone plaque has been unveiled at Christ Church University in Canterbury to mark its location as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The event was also the first in an exciting programme of arts, education and science activities this coming year to celebrate the institution’s Golden Jubilee.

The Portland stone plaque was carved by Canterbury mason Gary Newton and the inscription reads 'Canterbury World Heritage Site. Part of St Augustine’s Abbey’.

In the centre of the stone is also the World Heritage Site logo.

Vice-chancellor Professor Robin Baker was joined by the Bishop of Dover, the Right Reverend Trevor Willmott and other prominent figures from the local community to officially launch the university’s Golden Jubilee year.

Prof Baker said: “This is a spectacular moment for all connected with Canterbury Christ Church University. From our origins 50 years ago with a few staff and 70 students, to 20,000 students and being one of the largest employers in Kent, it has been an amazing journey.

“My predecessors built this institution with a culture and set of values that even today we are proud to live and subscribe to. Despite the current pressures on us, we see ourselves as a community of learning and compassion and that is what makes the University so special.

“The heritage stone shows the direction from the past to our future – an exciting 2012 and beyond.”

Music will be central to the Jubilee celebrations and the highlight will be the opening of the newly-refurbished St Gregory’s Centre for Music in October.

In the same month the Sir Peter Maxwell Davies building will open on the campus, providing a new suite of practice rooms and rehearsals space.

Other highlights for the year include a Battle of the Bands weekend in early March featuring the original and local progressive rockers Caravan.

Later the same month a special performance of Mozart’s Requiem will take place in Canterbury Cathedral and in May the internationally acclaimed Sound New Festival, of which the university is an artistic partner, returns to Canterbury.

For more information on the Golden Jubilee and how you can join in, visit: www.canterbury.ac.uk/About/GoldenJubilee.