NORTH-EAST athletics hero Steve Cram has been honoured for his achievements on the track.

The former middle distance runner, who was known as the Jarrow Arrow, received an honorary Doctorate of Civil Law from Northumbria University in Newcastle yesterday.

The Gateshead-born athlete, who ran for Jarrow and Hebburn Athletics Club, set world records for the 1500m, 2000m and mile events, becoming world champion in 1983 for the 1500m.

He was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1983 and, in 1986, was awarded an MBE.

Since retiring, he has become a successful sports broadcaster and is also a member of the Sport England Lottery board, as well as chairman of the English Institute of Sport.

In 1998, he established Comrades of Children Overseas, a charity that aims to alleviate the suffering of children afflicted by war, poverty or disaster.

He is one of several achievers to be recognised by the university.

University vice-chancellor Professor Kel Fidler said: "These people are excellent role models for our graduating students. They demonstrate the levels of achievement that can be reached in all walks of life.''

l Cram is also behind a charity helping keep children safe.

A charity set up by him is issuing identity tags which youngsters can lace into their shoes or trainers.

The tags are dedicated to his brother, Kevin, who fell and died while out running in 2001. He was not carrying identification so could not be quickly identified.

Contact and medical details can be put on the tags.

They can be ordered in return for a £1 donation to Cram's Comrades of Children Overseas charity.

To order them, call 0191-261 7427, write to 26-31 Back Goldspink Lane, Newcastle, NE2 1NU, or visit www.justgiving.com/cramtag