SUPERSTAR actor Patrick Stewart has spoken of his surprise at being chosen as chancellor of Huddersfield University.

Stage and screen star Patrick, 64, was officially installed in the post yesterday, when Huddersfield University held its graduation ceremony at Huddersfield Town Hall.

He was asked to be chancellor 18 months ago.

Speaking to hundreds of graduates and their families yesterday, Mirfield-born Patrick said: "It was astonishing because it was entirely unexpected.

"I accept this honour and thank you for this marvellous distinction.

"This day has been a beacon for me, because it marked my reintroduction into the community and landscape of where I grew up.

"It has never ceased to be the one place in the world most important to me."

Patrick - who left Mirfield Secondary Modern School at 15 - also received an Honorary Doctor of Letters.

His older brothers Geoffrey and Trevor were at the event with their respective wives, Alma and Pat.

He urged the graduates to involve themselves in public life by voting.

He said: "A general election lies ahead. I urge you to grasp this opportunity, use this civic right.

"The greatest democracies lie here in Europe and when the individual involves himself in the process they are taking the most important step in being a member of a community."