A list of more than 500 names has been suggested to fill one of the most prestigious posts in the academic world.

Nominations close tomorrow (Tuesday) in the search for a new chancellor of Durham University to succeed actor Sir Peter Ustinov - who died in March after holding the prestigious post for the last 12 years.

By the weekend, 518 different individuals had been put forward, with more than 1,800 votes cast by students, staff and alumni.

Former US president Bill Clinton is widely rumoured to be among the favourites for the position - but, while confirming that there were candidates from the world of business, media, academia, politics and the arts - a university spokesman remained tight-lipped about the identity of the candidates.

"There has been a tremendous amount of interest from within the university which is demonstrated by the number of names put forward," he said.

He added that the successful candidate would have a hard act to follow, given the level of commitment of the former chancellor.

"Sir Peter Ustinov was extraordinarily generous with his time and very many of the students remember being presented with their degrees by him, which may explain why there has been so much interest in the post."

The post of chancellor of Durham University dates back to 1909 and many of those who held the office in the early days were drawn from the aristocracy. In recent years however, as at other universities, chancellors have been drawn from the world of politics and the arts. The complex selection process is a long and laborious affair shrouded in secrecy.

The list of names, which is kept secret, will go before a specially convened joint committee of the University's Senate and the Council, due to sit before the end of the year.

This committee will recommend one candidate to be put to a joint meeting of the Senate and Council for a final decision.

The protracted procedure will not be completed until the New Year when a formal announcement of the new chancellor is made at a meeting of the Convocation, the body which includes all graduates, heads of colleges and academic staff.

FORMER CHANCELLORS

1909 - 1912 The Very Rev George William Kitchin, Dean of Durham

1913 - 1918 His Grace Henry George Percy, Duke of Northumberland

1919 - 1928 The Rt. Hon John George Lambton, Earl of Durham

1929 - 1930 His Grace Alan Ian Percy, Duke of Northumberland

1931 - 1949 Most Hon Charles Stewart Henry Vane-Tempest-Stewart, Marquess of Londonderry

1950 - 1957 George Macaulay Trevelyan

1958 - 1969 The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Scarbrough

1971 - 1980 The Rt. Hon. Malcolm John MacDonald

1981 - 1990 Dame Margot Fonteyn de Arias

1992 - 2004 Sir Peter Ustinov

CHANCELLORS OF OTHER NORTH-EAST UNIVERSITIES

University of York - Gregg Dyke

University of Sunderland - Lord Puttnam

University of Newcastle - Chris Patten

University of Teesside - Lord Brittan

University of Northumbria - Lord Glenamara