Dave Myers gets on his bike after graduating

A very hairy biker returned to his place of study to receive an honorary degree on Monday.

Dave Myers, one half of the TV chef duo The Hairy Bikers, was an art student at Preston Polytechnic in the mid-1970s,

Now the University of Central Lancashire it decided to grant him an Honorary Fellowship for his work in the community through his career.

The presenter joined hundreds of students in Preston’s Guild Hall for the winter graduation ceremonies.

He said: “It’s a huge honour to receive this award. I remember coming down on the train in the red hot summer of 1976, it was Preston Poly back in those days, but this University set me off on the road to what I’ve achieved and I’m eternally grateful.

“For some reason I didn’t go to my graduation so this is even more special as never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be returning to get a fellowship.

“It was great being a student here. It was an honest place with wonderful down-to-earth people who offered great support. If it wasn’t for my tutor’s encouragement I wouldn’t have made it London to continue my career. I’ve only got very fond memories of the place.”

One half The Hairy Bikers with his scroll and gown

The hairy biker came from Barrow-in-Furness to study and reflected on his Lancastrian roots as he gave advice to students.

He said: “If there is one piece of advice I can give, it is that I would always encourage ambition and you should just give it a go.

“Never let people say ‘Are you sure? Maybe you should lower your sights’. You should have a go and chase your dreams because they just might come true.”

Are you graduating this week? Did you meet Dave? Let us know in the comments below