Broadcaster Rosie Millard to chair Hull's City of Culture team

Rosie Millard studied at Hull University in the 1980s

Former BBC arts correspondent Rosie Millard is to become chairwoman of the company running Hull's UK City of Culture activities in 2017.

The city is intending to spend £18m on a year-long series of art events after being awarded the title in November.

Ms Millard, who was a student at Hull University, said it was an "honour and a privilege" to take on the role.

The council said it was now recruiting a chief executive and a programme director.

Ms Millard, now a freelance journalist, broadcaster and author, said: "I arrived in Hull to study at the university over 30 years ago and in my heart, I have never left.

"Hull now has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to use culture and the arts to transform perceptions of the city and to change the lives of local people.

"As chair of the culture company, I want to help Hull grasp this moment. "

Hull City Council claims the year-long event could bring more than £60m into the local economy and generate 7,500 new jobs.