BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration won the attention of the crowd with his inspiring speech, amusing anecdotes and down-to-earth advice at Leeds Trinity Journalism Week.

Describing himself as “privileged” to have reported for the BBC, Gration offered his help to trainee journalists and journalism students at the university.

He advised students to “be different” and to develop their own style, whether it be how they dress, how they develop a story or the way they write.

He also advised them to react to the audience as much as possible by listening to what they say and do, particularly during interviews.

In a separate interview, Gration spoke of the recent phone hacking scandal, which is the subject of Leveson Inquiry into press standards. He said: “The definition of great journalism is sometimes not very clear. My idea of a great journalist or great journalism is something that you uncover legitimately, and you stick at it.”

Gration has been co-presenting BBC Look North since 1977 after leaving his career as a history teacher. Specialising in sport, Harry has covered five Olympic Games, Wimbledon and the World Cup, as well as many other sporting events.

A Yorkshireman born and bred, Gration shows his dedication to his home county through his work. He said: “Look North is my life. I treasure the programme.”