COMEDIENNE Victoria Wood brought a smile to the faces of Bolton students yesterday as she was honoured.

The former Bury Grammar School pupil was made an honorary fellow of Bolton Institute as education and health students were given their degrees and diplomas at the Victoria Hall in Knowsley Street.

Victoria, who is due to embark on a nationwide tour of live shows in the spring, recalled her school days as "very happy ... or at least very interesting anyway".

Asked if she had any words of wit and wisdom for the successful students and the people of Bolton she added: "Yes, learn mouth-to-mouth resuscitation - it's a very important skill - and lots of fun too!

"That's what I've spent the last week learning, so I thought I'd pass that on."

Bolton Institute principal Dr Bob Oxtoby said: "We wanted to honour Victoria.

"She hails from Bury, which we see very much part of our community, and she has brought laughter to so many people."

Today award-winning playwright and former Harper Green School pupil Jim Cartwright was due to be honoured by the Institute and tomorrow former director of British Aerospace, Lostock Eric Farnworth will be made an honorary fellow.

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