It'S hats off to Sara Cox and Anna Friel as they pick up honorary degrees from the University of Bolton.

Radio One DJ, Sara was presented with a doctorate for her contributions to broadcasting and Rochdale-born actress Anna Friel was presented witha doctorate for her contribution to the Performing Arts at a ceremony yesterday.

Sara's proud parents watched from the audience with her daughter, Lola, as she was presented with her certificate by the University Vice- Chancellor, Dr George Holme, at the winter degree ceremony, held at Bolton's Victoria Hall.

Sara, a former pupil at Canon Slade School, Bradshaw Brow, said: "I'm really proud to be receiving this award. I didn't go to university, I only got as far as my A-levels.

"But there are a lot of students here who have worked really hard for their awards."

She added: "I love coming home to Bolton.

"I always look forward to driving around Little Lever, looking at the spots where I grew up - where I learnt to ride my bike without stabilisers, or where I used to meet up with boys."

Anna, who shot to fame playing Beth Jordache in TV soap Brookside, had been due to attend a summer degree ceremony, but had to postpone her appearance because of filming commitments abroad.

Sara and Anna were joined by more than 250 students who have graduated in the second year since the former Bolton Institute gained university status in 2004.

Welcoming graduates and guests, Dr Holmes, said: "This is the highlight of the academic year in terms of the striving, the aims, the success and the achievements of our students.

"That is what we celebrate here today."

"I hope we continue to expand, grow and prosper."

What is a university honorary degree?

EACH year universities nominate several people for honorary degrees to mark a famous or distinguished person's contribution to society.

An honorary degree may be conferred by an institution that the recipient never attended and nominations usually go through several committees before receiving approval In addition to yesterday's honorary degrees for Sara Cox and Anna Friel, the University of Bolton has also conferred an honorary degree this year on its first vice-chancellor, Mollie Temple, aged 65.

She was the principal of the former Bolton Institute when it was awarded university status.

Honorary degrees also went to Allan Ashworth, who was awarded a doctorate for his achievements within education for the built-environment sector, and Brian Crossley, honoured for his contribution to construction.

Previous recipients of honorary doctorates at Bolton include actor Bernard Hill, who played Yosser Hughes in TV's Boys from the Black Stuff and Theoden in the Lord Of The Rings trilogy.