THE whole of the Tees Valley and the North-East must be exceptionally proud of Teesside University being declared university of the year in the Times Higher Education magazine awards (Echo, Oct 17).

To be named the best university in the country is a tremendous achievement.

Anyone who knows its vice-chancellor, Professor Graham Henderson, will know how passionate he is about the university. I am sure that although Prof Henderson picked up the award and gave the thank-you speech he would be the first to recognise the tremendous amount of work that many people have put in to achieving this award.

By winning this award the university will firmly put our area on the map. Hopefully, more companies will look to Teesside to set up their businesses because it is a great area to live, work and relax, with a top-class university providing the best education for its students.

Councillor George R Dunning, Leader, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.