Bill Bryson is making a week-long visit to Durham

Students, graduates, staff and the public will attend the ceremony in the city's cathedral, which includes an address by the US-born author himself.

He succeeded the late actor Sir Peter Ustinov as chancellor in April.

Mr Bryson arrived in the city on Saturday for his first visit to the university during a working term.

During the ceremony, Mr Bryson will also confer three honorary degrees.

International links

Vice-Chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman said: "The ceremony is going to be a wonderful spectacle and we are delighted to invite people from all over the region.

"People will get the chance to see and listen to him presenting honorary degrees to three distinguished people he has nominated."

Mr Bryson has written of his affection for Durham and described the north-east of England as "one of the friendliest corners of the planet".

He plans to use his role to strengthen the university's international links.