THE man who helped put Gateshead on the world stage will take his skills into the lecture theatre to inspire the business professionals of the future.

Sir Leslie Elton has been appointed visiting professor at Newcastle University's Business School.

He was knighted in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours for his part in masterminding the regeneration of Gateshead, receiving the honour for services to local government. He retired as chief executive of Gateshead Council in March.

Professor Ian McLoughlin, head of the business school, said: "I am sure that his breadth of knowledge and experience of urban regeneration and transforming public service delivery will prove invaluable to our research and teaching."