JOURNALIST Kevin Maguire will return to his North-East roots for popular Radio 4 show Any Questions next week.

Associate editor and political columnist on the Mirror, Kevin Maguire, will be among the panel for the BBC discussion programme which will be hosted by the University of Sunderland on Friday, February 28.

In a career-spanning more than 30 years, Kevin has become one of the country’s most recognised journalists.

The South Shields-born TV pundit has already forged strong links with the University as a Visiting Professor of Journalism and in 2018 he was made an Honorary Doctor of Arts.

He said: “Broadcasting Radio 4’s Any Questions from the University of Sunderland will focus the national spotlight on a brilliant University and wonderful city so I’m thrilled to be on the panel.”

The Northern Echo:

Joining him on the night will be the CEO of one of the UK’s leading port groups, Frans Calje, above, of PD Ports.

The company has 13 locations across the country, including four in the North East.

Further guests will be announced closer to the day of recording.

The programme will be hosted by BBC political correspondent Chris Mason who took over the show from long-term presenter Jonathan Dimbleby last year.

Any Questions will be broadcast from the Sir Tom Cowie Lecture Theatre, at the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's.

Anyone wanting to attend needs to pre-register and secure their ticket online at Eventbrite.

Members of the public will also have the opportunity to submit a question to the panel on arrival, and they must be willing to read the question in front of a live audience.

Free parking will be available on campus for the evening, from 6pm.

Admittance to the venue will be between 6.30pm and 7.20pm.