A MEMORIAL service to celebrate the life of one of the region's best-loved public figures takes place next week.

Arrangements are being finalised for the service at Durham Cathedral on Wednesday, November 10, to honour the life of Sir Peter Ustinov, the former chancellor of Durham University who died earlier this year.

Members of the Ustinov family will be joined by the actor's close friends, university staff and students past and present.

The service, which will feature a mixture of prayer and readings as well as spoken and musical tributes, has been designed to reflect the qualities and values of Sir Peter, who was the university's chancellor from 1992 until his death in March.

University vice-chancellor, Sir Kenneth Calman, who will lead the main tribute, said: "We want the memorial service to celebrate the work and great qualities of Sir Peter, who was a great friend and ambassador of the university."

The service, which is open to the public, starts at 2.30pm. Admission, via the Galilee Chapel, is from 1pm and people are asked to be seated by 2.10pm.