Academics at the University of Cambridge have been quietly creating enormous wine collections containing some of the finest Bordeaux, Burgundy and champagne vintages, it has been discovered.

Data published through the Freedom of Information Act has found that Trinity College Cambridge has a cellar of more than 25,000 fine wines.

The total value of the collection is estimated to be £1.67 million - dwarfing the government's own cellar.

Speaking to the Cambridge News, Trinity graduate and wine writer Stephen Brook said: "They have quite a few fellows there so need a large wine cellar.

"They change it all the time but many of the wines they bought many years ago would have accrued substantially in value."

Founded in 1546, Trinity College is the largest in the university, being home to around 600 undergraduates, 300 graduates and 160 fellows.

Perhaps the smartest investor at Cambridge is Jesus College, which bought 41 bottles of 1982 Chateau Latour for £40.34 each. They are now believed to be worth £1,150 a bottle.