ONE of Britain’s best-known actresses and a television news anchor are to be honoured by a North-East university.

Former Coronation Street and Last Tango In Halifax actress Anne Reid MBE, who provided the voice of Wendolene in Wallace and Gromit’s A Close Shave, is to be awarded an honorary degree by Sunderland University.

She will be joined by veteran Tyne Tees news presenter Pam Royle, awarded an honorary fellowship of the university.

They will join 3,000 graduates receiving awards from University Chancellor Steve Cram CBE, during a week of ceremonies at the Stadium of Light held between July 6 and 10.

Former Lord-Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear Sir Nigel Sherlock will receive an Honorary Doctorate for Business Administration in recognition for his contribution to the North East and his commitment to community and charity causes.

A member of the Northern Sinfonia since his student days, Sir Nigel was instrumental in establishing The Sage Gateshead, one of many North-East regeneration projects he was actively involved with.

University Interim Vice-Chancellor Shirley Atkinson said: "We are proud to pay tribute to our honoraries at this year’s Graduation Ceremonies.

“In their chosen career they have all made a significant impact and will be a tremendous inspiration to our graduates who are celebrating their academic success before beginning their own career.”