Sir Peter "brought laughter and made people think"

The respected actor was chancellor of the university from 1992 until his death in March.

The service in November will be designed to reflect Sir Peter's personal qualities and values.

Members of his family, close friends and associates are due to attend the service, which will include prayer and spoken and musical tributes.

University vice-chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman said: "Sir Peter was a great friend and ambassador of the university and an eloquent champion of tolerance and understanding between people.

'Magnificent voice'

"These are the values we want to celebrate. We remember him not only because he brought laughter, but because he also made us think."

The event will particularly highlight the theme of tackling prejudice.

In recent years Sir Peter and his family's Ustinov Foundation have helped a number of universities to take up special studies of the history and nature of prejudice.

Durham's studies on the prejudice theme are being supervised by Prof Sue Scott, a professor of sociology and principal of Ustinov College, who will be one of the speakers at the service.

The Dean of Durham, The Very Rev Michael Sadgrove, said: "Sir Peter Ustinov loved Durham Cathedral.

"When he presided at university degree congregations, his magnificent voice reverberated round the building in a way I shall never forget.

"He is much missed in Durham. It will be a privilege to host his memorial service here in a place that not only holds many memories of Sir Peter, but has also been so intimately connected with the life of this great university."