GRADUATES and others with links to a North-East university who received awards in the New Year's Honours are being sent letters of congratulation.

Durham University vice-chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman has written to congratulate old boys and girls who were honoured in last week's awards.

They include an OBE for Anne Galbraith, the university's vice- chairwoman, a CBE for Chris Lendrum, who chairs a key group in the university's fundraising operations, and an MBE for former Durham Mayor, Colin Beswick, who graduated from Bede College at the university.

Mr Beswick, Durham's Town Crier, was also a founder member of the University-City Liaison Group

The honours list also included three knights with Durham connections, including celebrated Olympic gold-winning oarsman Sir Matthew Pinsent, who received an honorary doctorate from the university in 2001.

Others were Sir Peter Ogden, founder of the Ogden Trust, which funds projects for widening opportunities in education.

Another new knight with Durham links is Sir Michael Tomlinson, former chief inspector of schools, who last year recommended sweeping reforms to the A-level system.

Sir Kenneth said: "The honours, which are very well deserved, reflect aspects of work, service, achievement and inspiration which enrich many people's lives.

"The university is fortunate to be linked with such people and we are proud of what they do."