DURHAM University has been ranked as the region's top university in a new guide.

It not only takes the honours in the North-East, but it has also been shortlisted for the Sunday Times University of the Year.

Durham is the biggest riser in the publication's league table's top 20, jumping from 17th place last year to 11th place this year.

The Sunday Times University guide reveals that more than two-thirds of Durham's students now come from state schools, a rate that has been rising steadily.

Links with 90 state schools in the region and bursaries for local students have helped, as has its second campus in Stockton, which concentrates on vocational degrees.

The guide said that more than two-thirds of subjects were rated excellent in assessments, underpinned by even higher scores for research.

Chemistry, applied maths, English, law, history and geography all gained the highest five-star research ratings.

The University of Newcastle ranks second in the region, and rises three places in the national table to 19th.

Applications to the university are up by 40 per cent over the past few years and teaching excellence covers all disciplines, but is most evident in its medical provision, said the guide.