PETER Barron, former editor of The Northern Echo, was today presented with an Honorary Fellowship from Sunderland University.
Mr Barron, who stepped down in April after 17 years at the helm, was recognised for his contribution to journalism in the North-East.
He started at the newspaper as a reporter in 1984 and led several campaigns including cutting waiting times for people in need of heart bypasses and helping convince Hitachi to open a factory in Newton Aycliffe.
Mr Barron, who lives in Hurworth, near Darlington, recently launched his own media company and plans to get more involved in teaching journalism.
“To receive an honorary degree means an awful lot,” he said. “Being from the region myself, receiving this from a North-East University is a very special honour, particularly as the University of Sunderland has a growing reputation for training the next generation of journalists.”
The award was be presented by university chancellor Steve Cram.
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