FORMER Northern Echo editor Peter Barron is to receive an Honorary Fellowship from Sunderland University.

Mr Barron, who stepped down in April after 17 years at the helm, is being 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 people for people in need of heart bypasses and helping convince Hitachi to open a factory in Newton Aycliffe.

Mr Barron, who lives in Hurworth, Darlington, and recently launched his own media company, is planning to get more involved in teaching journalism.

He said: “I did not go to university and did not get a degree. I just did A-levels, and went to college so to be made an Honorary Fellow of a North-East university is a great honour and I am very humbled by it.

“It is very nice and I am very proud to be recognised by a university, which has got such a good reputation for training journalists, in the region that I am from and that I love.”

Also receiving an Honorary Fellowship is Daniel Thompson, head coach with City of Sunderland Amateur Swimming Club, who last year won Coach of the Year award at the 2015 North East Disability Sports Awards.

He has also been selected by British Swimming as one of its group of coaches preparing for the Paralympic Games in Rio.

A TV producer, England’s leading nurse, an artist renowned for his fantastical inventions and Hong Kong’s chief engineer will also be among those being honoured in recognition of their outstanding contribution to their industries.

Sunderland University Vice-Chancellor Shirley Atkinson said: “They have all made a significant impact in their chosen careers and will be a tremendous inspiration to our graduates who are celebrating their academic success before beginning their own career.”

The awards will be presented by university chancellor Steve Cram during a week of ceremonies at the Stadium of Light from July 4 to 8.