COUNTY-Durham born opera star Sir Thomas Allen, who has won worldwide acclaim for his performances, has been appointed to a new role as Chancellor of Durham University.

Sir Thomas, 67, who was born in Seaham Harbour, will officially become the University’s 12th Chancellor when he takes over from award-winning author Bill Bryson in January.

His appointment was approved at a meeting of Durham’s Convocation - an assembly of members of the University - in London tonight.

Sir Thomas’s route to musical stardom began in the 1960s when, as a pupil at Robert Richardson Grammar School, in Ryhope, his talent was recognised and encouraged by physics teacher Dennis Weatherley.

The school’s headmaster arranged for the then 18-year-old Sir Thomas to visit Professor Arthur Hutchings in Durham University’s Music Department who arranged an interview for him at the Royal College of Music.

Sir Thomas’s career began with the Welsh National Opera and on his debut he was described as “surely the best British lyric baritone singing in opera since the war”.

He has since performed to thousands of people across the world in leading roles such as Mozart’s Don Giovanni and at theatres including the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and New York’s Metropolitan Opera.

According to the playwright Lee Hall, Sir Thomas’s remarkable story was the inspiration for his hit film Billy Elliott, about a boy who came from the mining communities of County Durham to dance Swan Lake.

Sir Thomas said: “As a County Durham boy I am extremely proud and honoured to be appointed as Chancellor of Durham University.

“No matter where my life and career have taken me, Durham has always held a special place in my heart so it is a particular privilege for me to accept this prestigious role.

“I am thrilled to be ‘coming home’ and I greatly look forward to meeting the students, staff and alumni at Durham and representing this magnificent University across the world.”

Sir Thomas is currently directing The Barber of Seville for Scottish Opera. He will officially become Chancellor in January, which will also coincide with the 40th anniversary of his association with the Royal Opera House.

Full story in tomorrow's The Northern Echo