Scottish musician Annie Lennox has been named the first female chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University.

The former Eurythmics singer will succeed Nobel Peace Prize-winner and anti-poverty campaigner Muhammad Yunus.

Lennox, who was born in Aberdeen, said she is looking forward to taking on the role next year.

"It is truly a remarkable honour to be invited to become chancellor," she said

"I am humbled by it and intend to serve this outstanding institution in the very best way I can.

"Following in the footsteps of such an exemplary individual as Muhammad Yunus is somewhat daunting but I'm very much looking forward to working with everyone in a collaborative way so I can be of good value to the students and the establishment of the university."

Lennox, who has championed causes including HIV awareness and women's rights during her 30-year career, received an OBE for humanitarian work in 2008.

Glasgow Caledonian vice-chancellor Pamela Gillies said it would be a privilege to work with the singer, who has three honorary doctorates.

"It's a great privilege for us to welcome Dr Annie Lennox as our new chancellor," she said.

"She's a social activist with a great passion for fairness in the world and her philanthropic and social action duties around the world have literally transformed the lives of people, especially women and children."

She added: "I'd like to pay tribute to Professor Muhammad Yunus, who has served us loyally over the last five years as our chancellor."

Lennox will be formally installed as chancellor at a ceremony next July.