Veteran footballer Niall Quinn has been chosen to receive an honorary degree from Sunderland University.

The Republic of Ireland international was praised for his generosity by the Prime Minister earlier this year when he gave the proceeds from his testimonial to charity.

Mr Quinn donated about �1m to children's hospitals in Wearside, Ireland and India.

The Sunderland player-coach will receive the accolade at a ceremony later this month.

More than 35,000 people saw the testimonial

Quinn joined the Premiership club in 1996 and has just returned from the World Cup in Japan.

A spokesman for the University of Sunderland said: "Niall Quinn is one of footballs most respected figures."

Tony Blair paid tribute to Quinn in the House of Commons for his decision to hand over gate receipts from his testimonial game at Sunderland's Stadium of Light in May.

Mr Quinn, who has retired from the international game after winning more than 90 caps, will receive an Honorary Fellowship.

Charity worker

At the same ceremony, BAFTA winning actress Gina McKee - who starred in ITV's Forsyte Saga - is to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts.

The university is also recognising the former Leader of the House of Lords, Baroness Jay of Paddington, with an Honorary Doctorate of Laws - the degree also to be bestowed on Don Robson, who is credited with bringing first class cricket to Durham.

The North East's senior legal figure, Judge David Hodson, is also to receive a Honorary Doctorate of Laws.

Gateshead-based charity women's worker Clare Phillipson will receive an Honorary Fellowship.

Niall Quinn will receive his honorary degree at a ceremony on 15 July.