Veteran broadcaster Jeff Brown and former Sunderland MP Julie Elliott have been named as pro-chancellors of the University of Sunderland.

The pair will replace Pro-Chancellors Margaret Fay CBE, and The Rt Hon Baroness Morris of Yardley PC when their terms come to an end in July 2025.

Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland, said: "Margaret Fay and Estelle Morris have been outstanding ambassadors for the University of Sunderland during their time as Pro-Chancellors.

"Jeff Brown and Julie Elliott are well-known figures in both Sunderland and the wider region and, together, they have helped to put our city firmly on the map.

"So I am delighted that two such inspirational figures will join us as Pro-Chancellors next year."

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Jeff Brown, a Sunderland-born individual famed for his career in sports journalism and broadcasting will be working side by side with former Sunderland Central MP, Julie Elliott.

He is renowned for his work on BBC Look North and received an Honorary Fellowship from the University in 2010.

He also had the honour of launching the University's £1.4m media facilities last November and left the BBC in May to pursue independent projects.

Julie Elliott, born in Whitburn served as MP for Sunderland Central from 2010 to 2024 and as Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change from 2013 to 2015.

In May 2023 she assisted in the grand opening of the Wearside View building for the University's Faculty of Education and Society.