Sir Lenny Henry made chancellor of Birmingham university

The actor, writer, comedian and charitable campaigner will visit the university's campus today (WEDS) to start preparing for his five-year term.

The relationship with the star follows a tour of the campus earlier in the year when Sir Lenny saw the university's work in the creative arts with young people from a range of diverse backgrounds.

He was also shown the university's industry standard media facilities, including four TV studios, radio recording studios and Europe's largest static green screen.

Sir Lenny said: "Taking on the role of chancellor at Birmingham City University is a superb opportunity for me to pursue three passions – Birmingham and the West Midlands, the creative arts and giving life changing opportunities to young people from a wide range of backgrounds.

"Birmingham City University has facilities that rival anything in the television industry, is right in the centre of a city that has changed beyond recognition in recent years and offers the sort of contemporary education I would have killed for when I was a kid."

Last year Sir Lenny wrote and starred in 'Danny and the Human Zoo', a fictionalised account of his life as a teenager in 1970s Dudley which was partly shot in Birmingham and the Black Country.

Earlier this year, he was presented with a special Bafta award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to television.

Professor Cliff Allan, vice-chancellor at the university, said: "We are absolutely delighted that one of the country's most well-known personalities is to be our new chancellor.

"He not only encapsulates the University's commitment to both the arts and widening participation, but he is a strong advocate for Birmingham and the region, including his home town of Dudley.

"What I'm most excited by is that Sir Lenny doesn't want to be a remote ceremonial figure but is determined to play an active role as a hands-on chancellor.

"He will have his own office and staff to enable him to be a big part of what we do over the next five years."

In 2017 the university will also open a new School of Education and Life Sciences at its City South Campus in Edgbaston – offering sports, nutrition and teaching courses in a new £41 million facility.

Sir Lenny Henry succeeds the current chancellor, Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Ray Hassall.