PATAK'S Foods has been awarded a Corporate Honorary Fellowship by Liverpool John Moores University.

The fellowship was presented to Kirit Pathak, chairman and chief executive, at the university's annual graduation ceremony.

Janet Martin, of John Moores School of Education, Community and Social Science, said: "The fellowship is a demonstration of our recognition of the achievement and contribution Patak's Foods has made to the economic success and cultural diversity in the North-west."

Patak's Foods, based at Haydock and Leigh, has achieved remarkable growth in recent years, and is led by Kirit and Meena Pathak, who have built their business into a £55 million worldwide enterprise.

They live in Bolton and have both been awarded OBEs for their services to food and business.

Kirit Pathak said: "Meena and I are very honoured that we have been chosen by the university to receive this award.

"It is flattering that we are considered such a positive influence on the local community.

"I hope that we can continue to be an inspiration to new graduates and encourage them to develop entrepreneurial flair to further contribute to the area."