UNIVERSITY graduates made history yesterday as they were presented with their degrees at one of the region's most imposing buildings - Durham Cathedral.

The Norman cathedral, symbol of the North-East and a World Heritage site, was used for the first time as a venue to confer the honours.

Marvin Alexander, 22, from Middlesex, was among the first of 3,000 students to graduate from Durham University this week, and the first to do so at the cathedral.

He was also among the first to receive a new BA honours degree in sport, health and exercise, which started three years ago at the university's Queen's campus, in Stockton.

Mr Alexander achieved sporting success playing schoolboy football for Watford FC and competing for Middlesex county, English schools and the south of England in athletics, before taking up his university place.

He became vice-club captain of Durham University football team and sports officer for George Stephenson College at the Queen's campus.

Mr Alexander received his degree from Chancellor Sir Peter Ustinov, and will now take a two-year postgraduate course in sports psychology at Miami University, Ohio.

He said it was an honour to be among the first graduates at the cathedral. "It was a bit nerve-wracking . . . but it was really enjoyable," he said.

"It was a nice feeling to graduate in Durham Cathedral, and I was one of the first Stockton students to do so."

Academic director of sport, health and exercise Dr Greg Atkinson said: "Marvin embraced with vigour the Durham University philosophy of balancing academic excellence with participation in sport.

"He completed an excellent final year research dissertation on the psychological profiling of athletes, a piece of work which contributed to his upper second class degree.

"We wish him all the best for the future."

The cathedral is staging 12 ceremonies over three consecutive days ending tomorrow, and involving a record number of graduates.