A journalist who won praise for his coverage on the war in Ukraine and an award winning writer and actress have been honoured by their hometown of Bolton.
Sophie Willan and Clive Myrie both received Honorary Doctorates from the University of Bolton during this year's graduation ceremonies.
Clive who also presents Mastermind described the award as an 'an honour'.
He was presented with the degree of Doctor of Social Science for his outstanding contribution to broadcasting, television and society.
Sophie, creator of the hit TV show Alma’s Not Normal, received an honorary degree from the University of Bolton.
She was presented with the degree of Doctor of Arts for her outstanding contribution to television and comedy.
Sophie Willan and television journalist Annabel Tiffin
Clive said: “It is exactly 40 years ago this summer that I left Bolton in 1982 to go to university.
“I will never forget the sense of trepidation and fear but the excitement I had in beginning that phase of my life. It is wonderful to be here to see all the graduates, all those people getting their degrees here and who are embarking on the next phase of their life.
“I grew up on Manchester Road, just down the road opposite Burnden Park as it was then. I had big dreams to become a journalist. I’m lucky I have had breaks through the years and I have managed to fulfil those dreams. University was the beginning of trying to get those dreams to come true.
“I sincerely hope for all the students here, all the graduates, that they can now begin that journey to make their dreams come true.
“Thank you to Bolton, a wonderful, wonderful town and a place very dear to my heart.
“Thank you to the University of Bolton, to everyone, it’s great to be here.”
Clive Myrie at the University of Bolton
Sophie said: "The world needs your voices in whatever creative form it embodies, whether you write, direct, broadcast, whether you paint, whether you edit.
“Whatever you do, you are the future, you are the hope, and you have my undying support, love and admiration.”
TV journalist Annabel Tiffin, who is regular presenter on BBC’s North West Tonight, also received an honorary degree as Doctor of Arts for her outstanding contribution to broadcasting.
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