SUNDERLAND has been named the best new university in England, according to a new league table.

The Guardian newspaper published its list of the top universities in the country yesterday and classed Sunderland 26th out of 122.

Researchers also found many of the best degree courses were being offered at the former polytechnics - Northumbria University, Newcastle, came top for midwifery and nursing and Newcastle was named the best place in the country to study pharmacology.

York was ranked 7th in the league table, with Newcastle 19th, Northumbria 30th, Durham 47th, Teesside 60th, and the College of Ripon and York St John 74th