A PROFESSOR has been named as the new University of York chancellor.

Sir Malcolm Grant will take over the role in August 2015 when he formally replaces the chairman of the FA and former Director-General of the BBC, Greg Dyke, who is stepping down from.

Sir Malcolm said: "I am honoured to become chancellor of this great university which has always represented a set of unimpeachable values. It has a passionate belief in social justice, freedom of speech, a respect for the individual and, above all, a commitment to the highest academic standards.

"I look forward to helping the University achieve the next phase of its development at an enormously challenging time for Higher Education globally. "Following Greg Dyke’s inspirational leadership will not be easy, but I am determined to continue to build on the record of success of this remarkable institution."

The Chancellor is the formal head of the University, whose official duties are to confer degrees on behalf of the establishment, and chair the University's Court. He will play a key role in the University's life as an ambassador for the institution in the UK and internationally.

The new chancellor will be installed during a ceremony in Central Hall in late 2015.