OLYMPIANS, a TV chef, a comedian and the BBC’s chief international correspondent will be joining thousands of students getting degrees from York St John University next month.

Students will be graduating at York Minster ceremonies as the university celebrates its 175th year with one of the highest number of honorary degrees ever awarded - eight.

Among those picking up honoraries are wheelchair racer Hannah Cockroft, who already has an MBE, as well as road racing cyclist Lizzie Deignan (formerly Armitstead) and professional rugby league footballer Jamie Peacock.

Yorkshire-born chef and presenter James Martin, BBC correspondent Lyse Doucet and actress Julia Davis are also among those celebrating with more than 2,000 students in ceremonies on November 15, 16 and 17 .

Julia has a personal connection to the university as she studied for a degree in English and drama at the then College of Ripon and York St John. Julia is known for writing and starring in the BBC Three comedies Nighty Night, Hunderby and Camping.

Vice Chancellor Prof Karen Stanton said: “Graduation is an exciting and rewarding time for all our students and this year we are delighted to be awarding honorary degrees to some truly inspirational people in our 175th year as an academic institution. These individuals have all made an outstanding impact in their respective fields and will be an inspiration to our students for many years to come.”

Honorary degrees will be presented by the Chancellor, the Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu, in front of an audience of graduands, their families and friends, and staff and guests of the university.

Further honorary degrees go to investigative reporter Brian Deer and Manvinder Rattan. He is best known for inquiries into the drug industry, medicine and social issues for the Sunday Times. Manvinder is musical director at the John Lewis Partnership where he coordinates more than 20 choirs.