The Hollywood star Brian Cox said he was "touched and moved" as students voted overwhelmingly in favour of extending his reign as university rector.

The famous actor who hails from Dundee has been re-elected as rector of the University of Dundee for a second term of three years.

He proved so popular with students that he was the only nomination for the position and will be formally installed in a ceremony later this year.

It is his duty as rector to serve students' interests including at the University Court, the governing body of the institution.

Brian said: "I cannot express how much I am touched and moved by the incredible support from the student body of Dundee University. It is such a privilege and honour to be allowed to serve the students of Dundee for another three years.

"It is a tremendous opportunity to be allowed to continue the extremely fruitful and satisfying work of the last three years. I hope to reciprocate in my heart the tremendous trust you have given me."

Brian starred in the blockbuster Bourne Identity and Bourne Supremacy films as well as Braveheart and was the first person to play Hannibal Lecter in the film Manhunter. His expansive career began in his home city at the Dundee Rep theatre.

He will appear on television screens soon in the BBC comedy series, Bob Servant Independent, which is set in the Dundee suburb of Broughty Ferry.

Iain Kennedy, president of Dundee University Students Union, offered his congratulations, saying: "Having worked with Brian since he took on the role in 2010, I have witnessed his dedication to the students of Dundee University and I know that Brian will use his second term to continue listening and campaigning for them throughout the country."