College honour for Ustinov

Sir Peter Ustinov is already chancellor of the university

Veteran actor Sir Peter Ustinov has had a college named after him on Wearside.

Sir Peter, who is chancellor of Durham University, was in the city to witness the honour.

The successful Graduate Society, to which the vast majority of the university's postgraduate students belong, has been renamed Ustinov College.

The event marks another milestone for the largest college for postgraduates in the country, with more than 1,200 members.

Sir Peter was guest of honour at the inauguration ceremony at the college's Howlands site.

Sir Peter said: "It is an extraordinarily generous gesture by the University."

A spokesman for Durham University said: "A champion of international understanding and communication, Sir Peter was the natural candidate to be invited to lend his name to our most international college.

My experience has taught me that children are born without prejudice Sir Peter Ustinov

"He has been an outstanding chancellor of Durham University since 1992 in addition to his long career as a writer, actor, director, commentator on world affairs and ambassador for Unicef.

Sir Peter added: "I am extraordinarily flattered that this initiative should have been taken in my lifetime so that I am here to enjoy it.

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

"There is nothing that can replace the contact of young people of different nations in contributing to a world at peace and freedom from ugly prejudice.

"My experience has taught me that children are born without prejudice.

"I am sure it is possible for young adults to maintain this same pristine tradition, and hopefully these young adults in Durham will be able to influence their seniors."

International students

University vice-chancellor, Sir Kenneth Calman said: "This is a historic day for the University. 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 that he has lent his name to this distinctive college."

Two thirds of international students in Durham are postgraduates.

Most belong to Ustinov College and come from more than 70 countries.

Exclusively for students studying for higher degrees, it is about twice the size of other graduate bodies such as Darwin College, Cambridge or Wolfson College, Oxford.