Floella Benjamin is already an honorary graduate of the university

Benjamin, 56, best remembered for presenting Playschool and Play Away, is the fifth person to hold the post since it was created in the mid-1950s.

A long-time campaigner for children's rights, she has recently created the Touching Success initiative to help disadvantaged young people.

She is already an honorary graduate of the university.

'Wonderful opportunity'

"It's a great honour to be appointed Chancellor of the University of Exeter," she said.

"I have always tried throughout my career to make a difference to the lives of young people.

"That is my mission and passion, so the chance to become closely involved with a major university is a wonderful opportunity to continue that work."

One of six children, Benjamin was born in Trinidad.

She came to England as a child in the early 1960s, when her family settled in south London.

She left school at 16 with the aim of becoming Britain's first ever black woman bank manager.

She took the first step by passing the a banking diploma but then changed direction and became an actress and children's TV presenter.

Exeter's vice-chancellor Professor Steve Smith said: "We're delighted that Floella has accepted this role, she has a close association with Exeter.

"Her son was a student here and she is also an honorary graduate...we are looking forward to a successful partnership."