POMP and celebrity glitz will will rub shoulders today when hundreds of students graduate from the University of Bolton.

Two ceremonies at the Victoria Hall, the first at 10.30am today, will mark the end of three years of hard work.

Students this year include 23-year-old Danielle Edge from Bolton. In November she gave birth to daughter, Evie, and three weeks later she was back at her final year studies in fashion product development.

Mature student Peter Swain, from Bolton, has been awarded a PhD for research into the early years of football and the creation of professional clubs in the North West. They and fellow students will mingle with stars of TV, music and football who will also be honoured by the university.

Bolton-born TV presenter and Radio One DJ, Vernon Kay, will head the celebrity line-up, being awarded an honorary doctorate. He said: “I received a very nice letter from the university last year informing me about the honorary doctorate. I told my mum and she said ‘Oh that’s brill.’”

Also receiving recognition are Manchester United and England footballer Gary Neville and members of acclaimed band The Buzzcocks.

Others being honoured include Yakub Patel and Anwer Patel for their contribution to the Bolton community.

The millionaire brothers behind Bolton-based pharmacy chain, Cohens, are sponsors of the town’s first academy school, Essa in Great Lever. Lorraine Brannan receives an honorary doctorate for her outstanding contribution to the university as a former chairman of the university board of governors.