LEADING figures in the charity sector, conservation, psychology, business, sport, music, television and the deaf community will be awarded with honorary degrees in York next month.

The degrees will be presented during York St John University’s graduation ceremonies at York Minster on November 14, 15 and 16.

Recipients will include children’s campaigner Baroness Floella Benjamin OBE, actress Dame Penelope Wilton, and Steve Rowe, chief executive of Marks & Spencer.

Also being recognised are the Yorkshire Rows, the oldest all-female crew to row across the Atlantic who started learning to row at the Guy Fawkes Boat Club in York.

Campbell Robb, the chief executive of the York-based Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust, will be another recipient, as will Philip Thake, chief executive of York Conservation Trust.

In addition, an honorary degree will be given to activist, academic and cultural figurehead for the global Deaf community, Dr Paddy Ladd.

Professor Karen Stanton, vice chancellor of York St John University, said: "This year’s honorary graduands are an especially motivational group of people.

"We are delighted to recognise the incredible impact they have made in their respective fields with an honorary degree. We hope their inspirational stories will further encourage our students to achieve their potential and to make a positive contribution to the world."

The honorary degrees will be presented by chancellor of York St John University and Archbishop of York, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr John Sentamu, in front of an audience of graduands, their families and friends, and staff and guests of the university.