A TOP businessman has been awarded two honours.

Edward Leng received an honorary degree from the University of Sunderland for his outstanding contribution to business and public life in the region.

Mr Leng, training manager at motor parts manufacturer TKA Tallent Chassis, in Newton Aycliffe, was also given an honorary fellowship for outstanding contribution to local business life.

Mr Leng is a founder member of the North-East Productivity Alliance, a partnership of agencies, industrialists and academics, which supports the region's manufacturing industry.

He received the awards from university chancellor Lord Puttnam.