A TOAST was raised to businessman and arts patron Sir Ernest Hall on his retirement as Huddersfield University's chancellor.

He was praised at a dinner in his honour as an inspiration for students.

Sir Ernest described his seven years as chancellor as "a delight", adding: "I have loved every minute of it.

He said he was delighted to hand over to Mirfield-born Star Trek actor Patrick Stewart.

Sir Ernest, a noted concert pianist, turned Dean Clough Mills at Halifax - a former carpet factory - into a home for small businesses and the arts.

The university's vice-chancellor, Prof John Tarrant, told Sir Ernest: "You have inspired seven generations of students."