Peter Purves and Patrick Grant to receive UCLan awards

Peter Purves and Patrick Grant. Pic: Foyers Photography/Community Clothing

UCLan will award fellowships to two TV stars as part of a celebratory week of graduations.

Former Doctor Who companion, Blue Peter presenter and Crufts’ commentator Peter Purves and The Great British Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant will take to the stage in Preston to receive UCLan Honorary Fellowships.

They will join graphic designer Becky Chilcott, international strategic development specialist Professor John Fyfe CBE and archaeologist Dr Gill Hey, who will accept prestigious Honorary Doctorates.

The degree and award celebrations, running from 11 to 15 July on the Preston Campus, will see thousands of students don their academic caps and gowns across 14 graduation ceremonies.

Graduates will attend the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre and enjoy post-event celebrations with family and friends on the new multi-million-pound University Square.

Peter, born in New Longton, will receive his award on the morning of Wednesday, 13 July, to acknowledge the contribution he has made in services to television, acting and presenting and support for the recent remake of the lost 1960s Doctor Who episode ‘Mission to the Unknown’.

Patrick, who runs Community Clothing and Cookson and Clegg, both Lancashire based, will be recognised for his contribution to the British clothing and textile industry and for supporting the university at events like the Leaders in Residence Network Launch.

He will receive his award on the morning of Friday, 15 July.

Becky will be honoured for the significant contribution she has made in services to graphic design and the support offered to UCLan Publishing.

The university will recognise Dr Hey for the significant contribution made in services to archaeology and support in providing placements for archaeology students.

The university will recognise Professor Fyfe for significant long-term contributions made to the Applied Policy Science Unit and the Samuel Lindow Foundation through the provision of expertise and extensive practical experience in politics and government.

Professor Fyfe is also honoured for his contribution to the development of ‘partnerships’ in community development.

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