A UNIVERSITY college now has something in common with a hospital in Africa, a German school and hotel bar, and a West country theatre.

For the Graduate Society at Durham was yesterday re-named after the university's chancellor, Sir Peter Ustinov.

A sign marking the change to Ustinov College was unveiled by the distinguished writer, actor, director, raconteur and Unicef ambassador, in a simple ceremony at the Howlands Farm site, on the outskirts of Durham.

Sir Peter, 81, and now mostly wheelchair-bound, has been a popular chancellor at the university since 1992, following the death of his predecessor, Dame Margot Fonteyn.

He said that the honour of having a college named after him was "an extraordinary generous gesture by the university".

He said: "I am extraordinarily flattered that this initiative should have been taken in my lifetime, so that I am here to enjoy it.

"I do not know how it happened, and I am too shy to ask, but I am 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 in Bath.

The multi-lingual champion of international understanding and communication said it was appropriate that of all the 13 colleges at Durham his name should be tied to the Graduate Society, which is the largest college for postgraduates in the country, with more than 1,200 students.

University vice-chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman described the move as a historic day for Durham.

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

Ustinov College was formed in 1965 with 94 students, and now has 1,251 names on the list, with plans to expand.