CROWDS are gathering in New College Lane, Oxford, as they await the arrival of Burmese democracy campaigner Aung San Suu Kyi.

About 200 people are already waiting behind barriers to catch a glimpse of the Ms Suu Kyi as she returns to Oxford after more than 20 years.

Ms Suu Kyi is due to arrive in the city at 4pm today, before collecting an honorary degree from Oxford University at a special ceremony tomorrow.

Members of the Burmese community in Oxford were the first to arrive, some bearing flowers and letters they hope to give to their heroine.

More than 20 press photographers and TV crews, including one from Burma, are in position inside the quad.

Go to the Oxford Mail Twitter page - @TheOxfordMail - for more updates on the historic visit.