Playwright Lee Hall was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts by University of Sunderland at a graduation ceremony at London's Southwark Cathedral on 9 November.
Originally from Newcastle, Hall has been closely involved in North East theatre for many years, especially Live Theatre. Many of his works, including the film, later a stage musical, Billy Elliot and the play The Pitmen Painters, are set in the region and draw on its heritage and industrial history.
Hall said he was “thrilled and humbled” with the award, which he said, “is a recognition of what I’ve done in my career, but also a recognition of the work, community and aspiration of north-east culture. The award is both individual and collective.”