UNIVERSITY of Sunderland chancellor and football fan, Lord Puttnam, savoured the atmosphere at the city's football club before carrying out his duties during the institution's academic awards ceremonies.

Sunderland AFC's Stadium of Light is the venue for this year's degree ceremonies, giving graduates and academics the opportunity of stepping on to the hallowed turf.

More than 2,000 students from five schools will be graduating at the ceremonies. Former BBC director-general Greg Dyke will receive an honorary award today for his outstanding contribution to broadcasting. Also receiving honorary awards are former Tyne Tees managing director, now One NorthEast chairman, Margaret Fay, and Northumbrian Water managing director John Cuthbert.