A NORTH-EAST academic has been named one of the best university lecturers in the country.

Peter Hughes, a senior lecturer in the University of Sunderland's School of Humanities and Social Sciences, is one of only 20 lecturers in the country to win a coveted National Teaching Fellowship Scheme award.

Mr Hughes, who teaches geography and environmental studies, is to get £50,000 to be used to fund a project that will make a significant contribution to learning and teaching nationally.

Colleagues and students nominated a member of staff and a national panel of judges made the final selection.

Mr Hughes said: "I am delighted to have won the fellowship award. I see working with students as the most important aspect of my job. I'm enthusiastic about my subject, and my students are interested in the issues, and that makes for a good rapport and excellent learning.