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Russell Crowe described Durham as "gorgeous" when he attended the university to visit old friend Bill Bryson and meet the students.

The Gladiator and Robin Hood star came to talk to members of Durham Student Theatre (DST) after tweeting about a deal he made with Mr Bryson.

He said: "For me it was a point of honour. I said to Bill I was going do it and I wanted to fulfil that."

DST president elect Sarah Peters said it was a "real accolade".

Speaking to ´óÏó´«Ã½ Tees, Russell Crowe said: "We did a little vocal warm up, then I took them outside to do an exercise in leadership and using the space around you.

"Durham's gorgeous, and they tell me the weather is like this all the time so I'll be bringing the wife back."

Bill Bryson, chancellor of the university, said: "It's just unbelievable.

"It's the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me at least since my wife married me.

"He has found space in his life to do this, and not just to do it but to do it so well. It was an absolute inspiration to the students.

"He's given them 100% of his attention and all his energy. It was just fantastic"