'Trailblazing' journalist Adie's archive curated

An archive featuring notebooks and pictures belonging to journalist and author Katie Adie has been curated in her hometown.

The former BBC reporter, described as a "trailblazer" in the world of journalism, grew up in Sunderland and covered a raft of major events, including the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege and the 1989 student uprising in Tiananmen Square.

Clothing, bomb fragments and a chunk of the Berlin Wall are part of the special collection at the University of Sunderland, which will be taken out into the community.

Adie, who donated more than 2,000 items to preserve a record of her professional career, said it was a "privilege to be a reporter because you poke your nose in".

Adie began her career working in local radio at BBC Radio Durham and then BBC Radio Bristol, before moving into television.

Later, she became chief news correspondent for the BBC in 1989, holding the post for 14 years and reported from conflicts including both Gulf Wars and war in the Balkans.

Adie currently presents From Our Own Correspondent on BBC Radio 4.

Adie said growing up in Sunderland had felt "magical" and she ed an "immensely happy" childhood.

"The town itself was friendly," she said. "You can never stand in the bus queue without saying, 'Well, pet, what do you think":[]}