GLYNDWR University is a ‘trendsetter for Wales,’ its proud chancellor told the House of Lords.

The Wrexham university was given high praise by the Rt Hon Lord Barry Jones during a debate about business in Wales.

He made the remarks in London on Wednesday, the fourth day of the Queen’s speech.

Lord Barry told the chamber: “It is the champion of widening participation, with one of the highest proportions of students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds of any university in the country.

“It has an excellent employability record for its graduates, and our students are doing exceptionally well.

“The scale of achievements at that university is considerable.”

He said the university was leading the way in technological advances.

“It is working in collaboration with University College London and local companies on a project to build the largest telescope in the world – a project that, if successful, could bring more than £200 million into the North Wales economy,” he said.

“That is an astounding university project and I wish it well. In all of this the academic staff are supreme.”

He also applauded its strong links to local industry.

“Now industrial collaboration is being developed with some of the major employers, for example with Airbus UK with its 4,000-strong skilled workforce.

“The A55 expressway knowledge industries corridor project includes a number of exciting developments across north Wales bringing the univesity even closer to private sector employers.”

He added: “I am proud to be the chancellor of Glyndwr University. North East Wales deserves its university.”