TV CHEF James Martin, wheelchair racer Hannah Cockroft and professional rugby league footballer Jamie Peacock all received their gongs from York St John University.

On the penultimate of three days of degree ceremonies at York Minster the trio joined hundreds of students yesterday graduating as the university celebrates its 175th year.

Ryedale chef and presenter James Martin is best known for presenting the BBC cookery series Saturday Kitchen from 2006 until 2016. He worked for many leading chefs in his early career, before opening the Hotel and Bistro du Vin in Winchester at the age of 22. James’s television career began in 1996 with The Big Breakfast and Ready, Steady, Cook.

Today it’s the turn of Nighty Night actress Julia Davis to pick up an honorary degree.

Vice Chancellor Prof Karen Stanton said: “Graduation is an exciting and rewarding time for all our students. We are delighted to be awarding honorary degrees to truly inspirational people.”