The Archbishop of York has been named York St John University College's chancellor when it becomes a university later this year. The archbishop will be officially installed in a ceremony in March, at York Minster, before an audience of staff and students.

As chancellor, Dr John Sentamu will also serve as a source of counsel to the institution.

Professor Dianne Willcocks, the current principal and vice-chancellor designate of York St John, said she was thrilled the archbishop agreed to step into the chancellor's role.

She said: "Dr Sentamu has been a pillar of support to York St John since his appointment as archbishop in 2005. He was to us an obvious choice for the position of chancellor, as someone who is incredibly well respected, nationally and internationally, for the great work that he does within the Church of England and in the charitable projects in which he participates. His forward-thinking outlook is recognised and supported wholeheartedly by the board of governors of York St John and myself, and is representative of the attitude we have at our institution. We believe the archbishop will be an excellent chancellor for our institution."