From space to university
HOLLYWOOD star Patrick Stewart is going where no other starship captain has gone before - into the academic stratosphere.
The Mirfield-born actor today admitted he was "kicking his heels in delight" after being named as chancellor of Huddersfield University.
Stewart, 63, said he was dumb with surprise when the offer was made.
"I was astonished and - a rare experience for me - rendered momentarily speechless," he admitted.
"Words are inadequate to express my great pleasure."
Today, he pledged he would not be an absentee chancellor, despite his theatre and film commitments.
Stewart - best-known for his role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation - said he had been awarded a tremendous honour.
He succeeds entrepreneur Sir Ernest Hall, who is bowing out after seven years in the role.
His first visit to Huddersfield as chancellor could be in January.
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