A Sussex University professor has been appointed president of the leading national body for psychologists.

Professor Graham Davey, from the School of Cognitive and Computing Sciences at the university, will become president of the British Psychological Society.

The announcement was due to be made today at the society's annual conference in Blackpool, Lancashire.

Prof Davey's has carried out research into animal learning and conditioning. He is currently involved in studies of the causes of phobias, pathological worrying, and the "disgust" emotion.

Prof Davey, a fellow of the society since 1989, said: "I am looking forward to the challenge of leading the society at a time when we are striving to increase awareness of the role that psychology as a profession and as a discipline play in many aspects of everyday life."