Martin Clunes to become Hartpury University chancellor

Martin Clunes said he was "deeply honoured" to be the first chancellor of Hartpury College and Hartpury University

Martin Clunes has been announced as Hartpury University and College's first chancellor.

The Bafta-winning actor will serve as the honorary head of both educational institutions, representing Hartpury in a ceremonial and ambassadorial capacity.

Doc Martin star Clunes has said he is "deeply honoured" to be appointed as chancellor.

Hartpury said its new chancellor was "well-suited" to his role.

Clunes will serve as the honorary head of both educational institutions, representing Hartpury in a ceremonial and ambassadorial capacity.

The actor, who won a Bafta for his role in Men Behaving Badly, runs a 130-acre farm with his family in Dorset, looking after horses, cows, sheep, chickens, dogs and cats.

Clunes is also "an advocate for animal welfare and shares Hartpury's focus on driving positive change in animal and equine wellbeing", Hartpury said.

Clunes said he was "deeply honoured" by the appointment, adding: "I look forward to sharing many of my passions and interests with like-minded students, staff, governors and alumni and am excited to share in their numerous success stories.

"I also look forward to advocating for the University and College's many impressive achievements, helping to champion and support Hartpury at an exciting time in its 75-year history."

In addition to presenting documentaries about animals, conservation and the relationships between humans and animals, Clunes is President of the British Horse Society, a patron of the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, the Horse Course, Julia's House Children's Hospice and the Fortune Centre.

Professor Andy Collop, vice-chancellor, principal and CEO of Hartpury University and Hartpury College said: "We are delighted that Martin will become our first chancellor and look forward to him playing a pivotal supporting role in the growth and evolution of Hartpury University and Hartpury College.

"Martin's commitment and experience in the equestrian, agricultural, animal and countryside realms align particularly well to Hartpury's own values and specialisms."

Clunes will be officially instated as chancellor this summer.