Al Murray to receive honorary degree from the University of Wolverhampton

Al Murray, famous for his alter ego the Pub Landlord, will receive an honorary Doctor of Social Science in recognition of his contribution towards military history, which is a major topic of research at the university.

And Henry Carver, Managing Director of Wolverhampton-based Carvers Builders Merchants, will be made an honorary Doctor of Business Administration.

The University awards honorary degrees to people who have made a significant contribution to their field of expertise. This year's cohort will be recognised during graduation ceremonies next month at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre.

University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer, said: “As people who have achieved notable success in their chosen field, they provide inspiration for our students, graduates and staff.

“We are proud to recognise the achievements of people across a broad range of specialisms, and look forward to welcoming them all to our graduation ceremonies in September.”

Among those who will also be recognised is Chris Holmes, now Lord Holmes of Richmond, who is a former Paralympic swimmer who won nine gold, five silver and one bronze medal across four Games. He will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters.

Director and filmmaker Michael Cumming, who worked on controversial TV series Brass Eye, will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Arts. He is a graduate of the University of Wolverhampton and has worked with leading figures from comedy including Chris Morris, Matt Berry, Jo Brand, Rory Bremner, Sir Lenny Henry, Matt Lucas and David Walliams.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer, Rebecca Bryant, will receive an honorary Doctor of Professional Practice. She was the first woman chief officer to have progressed through the ranks in the UK.

Also set to be recognised is Diversity Consultant for ITV News, Vidar Hjardeng MBE, and former Regional Director for the West Midlands region for the Institute of Directors, John Phillips MBE.

Dame Colette Bowe, chairman of the Banking Standards Board and chairman of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, will receive an honorary Doctor of Business Administration, while environmental scientist Peter N. Churchill be awarded an honorary Doctor of Science.

Former president and chair of Interfaith Wolverhampton, Sehdev Bismal, and independent midwife and founder of Midwifery Conversations, Elsie Gayle, will also be honoured.