A DURHAM University college now has something in common with a hospital in Africa, a hotel bar and school in Germany, plus a West country theatre.

The former Graduate Society at Durham has been officially re-named after the university's chancellor Sir Peter Ustinov.

A sign bearing the new title, Ustinov College, was unveiled by the distinguished writer, actor, director, raconteur and Unicef ambassador, in a simple inauguration ceremony at the Howlands Farm site off South Road, last Friday.

Sir Peter, 81, who now uses a wheelchair most of the time, has been a popular chancellor at the university since 1992 following the death of his predecessor, the former prima ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn.

He described the honour of having a college named after him as 'an extraordinary generous gesture by the university.' He said: "I'm extraordinarily flattered that this initiative should have been taken in my lifetime, so that I'm here to enjoy it.

"I don't know how it happened and I'm too shy to ask, but I'm grateful nevertheless."

He revealed that his name is also attached to a hospital in Africa set up to combat the disease noma, a hotel bar in Cologne and primary school near Leverkusen, both in Germany, and a theatre studio in Bath.

The multi-lingual champion of international understanding and communication said it was appropriate that of all the university's 15 colleges his name should be tied in with the Graduate Society, which is the largest college for postgraduates anywhere in the country with more than 1,200 members.

Two-thirds of international students in Durham are postgraduates, most belonging to the new Ustinov College, coming from more than 70 countries.

University vice-chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman described it as 'an historic day for Durham'.

He said: "For the first time the person after whom a college is named is taking part in the inauguration.

"We are privileged to have a chancellor with such an international reputation and are delighted he has lent his name to this distinctive college."

The graduate society, formed in 1965 with 94 members, now has 1,251 names on the list and there are plans to expand accommodation at the Howlands Farm.