OLYMPIC medallist Steve Cram has been made chancellor of a North-East university.

The Gateshead-born father-of-two was installed at the University of Sunderland in a ceremony yesterday.

It was held at the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's.

Cram, a Sunderland AFC fan, takes over from Lord Puttnam, who retired last year after ten years as Chancellor.

The athlete has a strong relationship with the university, going back 25 years, and was an obvious choice.

He said: "I'm passionate about the North-East, Sunderland and education and this will give me a wonderful opportunity to combine all three.

"The growth and development of the university in recent years has become a shining example of excellence in the North-East and I look forward to playing a role in helping the staff and students to continue and enhance their success in the future."

In 1983, Cram received his sports studies degree from Sunderland and, three years later, the former 1500m world record holder was back at the university to receive an honorary fellowship for his outstanding contribution to sport. In 1994, he became honorary president of the University of Sunderland Alumni Association.

Mr Cram is now the BBC's chief athletics commentator and a Guardian sports writer.

He is also known for his widespread work for charity, particularly his own charity, Coco.

Professor Peter Fidler, vicechancellor of the University of Sunderland, said: "We are at the beginning of a new era for the university, academically and in terms of our physical development, so it is fitting that Steve is joining us now."