THE Archbishop of York has been presented with an honorary degree by the University of Hull in recognition of his work for human rights.

Dr John Sentamu, who received an honorary doctorate of divinity, was one of several people honoured to mark the bi-centenary of the abolition of the British slave trade.

A university spokesman said since Hull was the birthplace of William Wilberforce, the university was home to world-class slavery and emancipation academics.

In his address, the archbishop said: "Today's graduates have taken the courage to venture into new waters and face fresh challenges ahead with further study or a new career." Meanwhile, a former York council chief has been awarded an honorary degree by university bosses.

David Ansbro, who was chief executive at York City Council in the early 1980s, received the honour from the University of Leeds.

He had graduated from the university in 1966, and trained as a solicitor before embarking on a career in local government. As well as York, he worked in Kirklees and Leeds.

He has been a member of the university's governing body since 1998 and its pro-chancellor since 2000 - a position from which he is soon to retire.