'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 remembered 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?' It was just great."

She said by donating the items she wanted people to "feel proud" of their area.

Speaking about the items, Adie said: "Well first of all, it sounds as if I'm a first-rate hoarder.

"A reporter does not usually have much time to collect souvenirs so it's an eclectic collection, but I hope it represents the extraordinarily varied stories I've covered, from wars to royal garden parties."

Adie donated the items in 2005 and grant funding was awarded last year to catalogue them as part of the university's "Special Collections", which can be viewed by appointment only.

Sir David Bell, university vice chancellor and chief executive, said: "Kate Adie is one of the most talented journalists and broadcasters of her generation and, as a native of Sunderland, her collection will be of interest both locally and further afield."

The Kate Adie Collection was officially launched on Thursday.

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