ACTOR, and award-winning playwright Deborah McAndrew has been installed as Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University.

Deborah, who began her acting career on Coronation Street, was officially welcomed into her new role at a ceremony on Friday, June 15,

Among those attending were West Yorkshire Deputy Lieutenant Ed Anderson, Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr Graham Latty, and Leeds Children’s Mayor Isla Bentley.

Charles Isherwood, president of the university’s student union, said: “As well as her busy career as a playwright, actor and theatre Company Director, Deborah has maintained strong links with education – working with children and young people through outreach and community projects and delivering workshops in schools. She has also worked for many years as a freelance tutor and lecturer. I’m very happy and honoured, on behalf of the students and staff at Leeds Trinity, to welcome her to Leeds Trinity University.”

The formal installation was made by Ian Burrell, chair of the university’s board of governors.

Deborah said: “It’s an absolute privilege to become Leeds Trinity University’s new Chancellor. Today was a wonderful occasion and a very proud day for me and my family. I am very passionate about education and hope I can inspire students to achieve their potential. Thank you to everyone at Leeds Trinity for this opportunity. I’m delighted to accept the role of Chancellor.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret House added: “Deborah is a perfect ambassador for Leeds Trinity University and today’s ceremony was a very special occasion to officially welcome her. Deborah is a perfect fit for our institution. She is enthusiastic, creative, approachable, passionate about education and encouraging of young people to be the best they can be.”

Born in Huddersfield, Deborah grew up in Leeds. She has worked extensively in theatre, television and radio in a career spanning almost 30 years. She co-founded Claybody Theatre Company in Stoke-on-Trent in 2013, and is currently Creative Director.

Deborah has performed and published plays such as her World War One drama An August Bank Holiday Lark, and adaptations of classics, such as Charles Dickens’ Hard Times, Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol. In the 1990s she played Weatherfield regular Angie Freeman.