Mountaineer made uni chancellor

Sir Chris has climbed Everest four times

Mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington has been installed as the new Chancellor of Lancaster University.

He takes over from Princess Alexandra, who held the post for 40 years since the university was created in 1964.

Bonington, who was knighted in 1996, has led and been on 19 Himalayan expeditions, including four to Everest which he climbed at the age of 50.

A procession was led through the city to mark his arrival before a ceremony at the Town Hall on Wednesday.

The new chancellor awarded honorary degrees on Dame Janet Smith, who will be made a Doctor of Laws, and Professor Lord Robert Winston, who was made a Doctor of Science.

Lancaster University's Vice Chancellor Professor, Paul Wellings, said: "The university, like Sir Chris Bonington, is committed to enhancing the North West region and to challenging international frontiers."