Mission to serve

Perish the sexist thought that Alexandra Burslem, soon to become Britain's seventh female university vice chancellor, will spend an overly long amount of time worrying about the dress-code for her new post.

But the current Manchester Metropolitan deputy vice-chancellor could neglect wardrobe worries at her peril.

Christine King, vice chancellor of Staffordshire University, recalls choosing a smart black-and-white number for a conference filled with her all-male peers.

Never again, after the bewildered chaps greeted her with requests for large gin and tonics all round.