Carl Fogarty and Wasim Akram receiving their honorary degrees from UCLan

One former international cricketer and a motorbike legend have been given honours by Preston’s university.

Pakistan and Lancashire’s Wasim Akram said he ‘loved the county’ as he collected his honorary degree.

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Alongside him there was also a fellowship for four time World Superbikes champion Carl Fogarty.

Wasim said: “It’s a massive honour and a privilege for me to receive this Honorary Fellowship. I never thought I would be wearing academic robes so to get this award from such a fantastic University is absolutely overwhelming.

“I love Lancashire, I enjoyed playing for Lancashire, I still have a house here, I come back to visit my friends and everyone is so friendly. The people are so hard-working and that is what I learned from my time playing here, you have to work hard to achieve success.

“Nothing is easy in life, there are no short cuts but these graduates are in a privileged position to accept good opportunities and my message is clear, hard work prevails.”

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Carl, who was born in Blackburn, collected his award in front of graduates from the school of film, media and performance.

He said: “It’s always nice to receive recognition for your achievements and I’m honoured that the University of Central Lancashire chose me to receive an Honorary Fellowship. I perhaps should have tried a bit harder with my education so hopefully this award can inspire others to carry on with their studies and pursue their dreams.”

A spokesperson for the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) said: “We are delighted to be able to confer Honorary Fellowships on two sporting greats who have a great affinity with our county.

“Carl Fogarty is enormously proud of his Lancastrian roots and his determination to become the best in the world was legendary. To win the World Superbikes championship once was hard enough but to win the title four times is a feat which hasn’t been surpassed.

“Wasim Akram’s performances for Lancashire County Cricket Club will always be remembered with great fondness. His inspiring performances with his trusty left arm brought success in the domestic game while his award-winning career flourished on the international stage with Pakistan.

“Both sportsmen have achieved so much success during their careers and they are great examples to our graduates and our wider University community.”