ACCLAIMED author Bill Bryson made his first public appearance in his new role this week in the building which captured his imagination on first sight.

The American travel writer sang the praises of Durham in his account of a tour of Britain, Notes from a Small Island.

He spoke of the awe he felt on emerging from a train at Durham station as he looked across to the cathedral and castle on the skyline.

Several decades later he was on official duty at the cathedral on Tuesday for the first time since being appointed Durham University's chancellor, following the death, last year, of predecessor Sir Peter Ustinov.

Modestly claiming it was a 'tough act to follow' he overcame any first day nerves with a witty speech to new graduates and their families.

Mr Bryson was handing out degrees at the first of 14 graduation ceremonies this week.

He offered the new graduates advice as they set off on their professional lives, telling them to seek to fulfil their dreams rather than do what is expected of them.

"If your father tells you to go into accountancy rather than play for Newcastle United, play for Newcastle United and tell him to try accountancy."

Following the ceremony he said: "I certainly feel a sense of wonder being out on that stage with all those people out there, in Durham Cathedral.

"There's no greater privilege. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be asked to dress like this and perform these duties. I'm completely and genuinely thrilled in every possible respect."

He will have shaken hands and conferred degrees to more than 3,000 graduates by the end of the week, although his writing should not suffer as he is left handed.

Among the first students to receive degrees from Mr Bryson were community and youth work graduates Stephen and Hannah Chambers, who are awaiting their second child at any moment.

Hannah, 23, is a week overdue with the birth of the child, and so was more nervous than most at Tuesday's ceremony.