A LEADING figure in the industrial regeneration and revival of the North-East was honoured at his former university yesterday.

Economist Dr John Bridge, who has been at the forefront of regional development groups in the region for almost 25 years, was made an honorary Doctor of Civil Law by Durham University.

He was the third personality to be awarded an honorary degree at the university's Winter Congregation, during three graduation ceremonies staged over two days at Durham Cathedral.

Born and brought up in Lancashire, Dr Bridge came to Durham as an economics student in 1961, and has retained links with the North-East since.

Having graduated in 1964, he returned to Durham to lecture in economics, and on leaving the academic world, worked in economic agencies, first as head of industrial development and then as deputy director of the North of England Development Council.

Dr Bridge went on to become chief executive of the Northern Development Company (NDC), helping to secure more than 500 investment projects, involving more than 75,000 jobs and capital expenditure of almost £9bn.

He became founding chairman of the council's successor group, One NorthEast, a post he held until December 2003.

Dr Bridge has recently worked on Government advisory groups, dealing with issues such as aviation and urban regeneration.

He remains involved in many corporate boards, groups and institutions across the region.

He said he was proud and humbled that the university had recognised the part he has played in reviving the North-East economy.

Dedicated musician David receives honorary degree

A MAINSTAY of music has been honoured for his contribution to the region's choral and opera groups.

Retired teacher David Crookes, whose dedication to local music societies has previously been largely unsung, was given an honorary degree by Durham University.

He was made an honorary Master of Music in one of the ceremonies staged over two days by the university at Durham Cathedral, during which degrees are being conferred on 1,150 graduates.

University vice-chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman conferred the honorary degree after a presentation speech to Mr Crookes by Professor Peter Manning, the university's head of music.

Mr Crookes has been secretary of Durham Choral Society since 1963, as well as being a singer with Durham County Opera Group, North Yorkshire Chorus and the St Ignatius Singers, in Sunderland. He is also a singer and administrator with the Palatine Opera Group.

In a later ceremony, public health expert Sir John Pattison was given an honorary Doctorate of Science.

Sir John, who studied at Barnard Castle School, in County Durham, has held a number of posts in medicine, most notably chairing the Government's advisory committee on BSE and CJD.