A SERIES of high profile guest lectures has been announced at Leeds Trinity University, as part of celebrations for the institution’s 50th Anniversary.

Author Gervase Phinn and Former Minister of State for Faith and Communities Baroness Warsi are among the line-up for the Trinity Talks over the next six months. The free lectures are open to everyone, including staff, students and members of the local community.

The series will open on Wednesday, November 23, with Dame Louise Casey, a former deputy director of Shelter, the homelessness charity, who has also worked as director of the Home Office’s anti-social behaviour unit, and head of the cross-government Respect Task Force, tackling anti-social behaviour. She was also the first independent Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses, representing the interests of victims and witnesses in Whitehall and the criminal justice system.

On February 1 a talk will be given by Mark McGeevy, CEO of Depaul International, which helps homeless and disadvantaged people around the world.

Best-selling Author Gervase Phinn will talk at the Horsforth-based university on February 22, and Baroness Warsi will speak in May on a date still to be confirmed.

Professor Margaret A House, Vice Chancellor at the university said: "I am delighted to announce the line-up for our Trinity Talks, for what I’m confident will be a topical, thought-provoking and engaging series of lectures. I am particularly looking forward to welcoming partners and alumni back onto campus, and to showcase our successful alumni and associates in our 50th year."

Each event takes place from 6pm with refreshments and networking. The talks begin at 7pm and will be followed by a Q&A session with refreshments and networking until 9pm.

The lectures can be booked via the 50th Anniversary website leedstrinity50.co.uk/events.

Leeds Trinity University began in 1966 as two Catholic teacher training colleges, Trinity College and All Saints College. Over the last 50 years, the Institute has evolved and developed to become a university.

On its website it says: "We're committed to the Catholic Church's ongoing commitment to the service of society in this country and internationally, offering our resources for the good of all."