A memorial service is to be held in Durham Cathedral later this year in tribute to Sir Peter Ustinov.

The event is being organised by Durham University for Sir Peter, who was its chancellor from 1992 until his death in March.

Vice-chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman said: "Sir Peter was a great friend and ambassador of the university, and an eloquent champion of tolerance and understanding between people.

"These are the values we want to celebrate. We remember him not only because he brought laughter, but because he also made us think."

The service, planned for November, will highlight the theme of tackling prejudice, a subject close to Sir Peter's heart.

He often wrote and spoke of his own experience of prejudice and how he witnessed it around the world.

His Ustinov Foundation projects are designed to promote a greater understanding of prejudice and how it can be broken down.

The Dean of Durham, The Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, said: "Sir Peter Ustinov loved Durham Cathedral. When he presided at university degree congregations, his magnificent voice reverberated round the building in a way I shall never forget.

"He is much missed in Durham. It will be a privilege to host his memorial service here in a place that not only holds many memories of Sir Peter, but has also been intimately connected with the life of this great university."

Members of Sir Peter's family, close friends and associates are due to attend the service.