Sir Lenny Henry becomes Birmingham City University's new chancellor

Sir Lenny Henry has become Birmingham City University's new chancellor.

In his first speech as Birmingham City University's new chancellor, the comedian is expected to talk about how he grew up believing that education was "not intended for the likes of me", and did not begin studying for qualifications until he was an adult.

The 58-year-old first attempted to gain qualifications while working with comedy duo Cannon and Ball in the early 1980s and gained his first degree at the age of 46.

Sir Lenny, who received a knighthood last year, will tell an audience at Birmingham Town Hall:

Sir Lenny, who was born in Dudley, will praise the university for having one of the most diverse student bodies in the UK, with more than 45% of students coming from low-income households and 48% from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.