Two BBC presenters and High Sheriff of Lancashire to receive Preston’s university honours

Geeta Guru-Murthy, Steve Saul (pic credit Gareth Price) and Helen Bingley are to appear at UCLan’s graduations during December

Two North West TV broadcasters and the High Sheriff of Lancashire are to be recognised at the city’s university’s graduation ceremonies.

The University of Central Lancashire is to bestow its honorary fellowships on two BBC presenters, Geeta Guru-Murthy and Steve Saul.

Helen Bingley OBE, the current High Sheriff of Lancashire, is also to receive the honour during the graduation ceremonies in the university’s Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre between Tuesday 10 December and Thursday 12 December.

The graduation ceremonies, with 2,400 students due to receive their honours, are also live streamed on the university’s YouTube channel.

About Geeta Guru-Murthy

The chief presenter for the BBC News Channel she grew up and was schooled in East Lancashire.

Born in Liverpool she has worked for the BBC for 25 years and will receive her award on Wednesday 11 December to acknowledge her significant contribution made to broadcast journalism.

About Steve Saul

A proud Prestonian the BBC presenter completed his law for journalists qualification at the university.

He began his career as a volunteer in hospital radio aged 13 and first worked on Preston’s Red Rose Radio.

He then moved to BBC local radio stations and progressed to presenting news bulletins on BBC Radio 5 Live. He is now senior presenter, reporter and producer for BBC North West Tonight.

He also regularly comes back to help journalism students on their news days providing feedback on their work.

Steve dons his cap and gown on Thursday 12 December to recognise the significant contribution he has made to regional radio and television broadcasting.

About Helen Bingley

A former student and staff member at the university she has a long track record in the NHS.

Helen rose through the ranks from nurse to executive director, chief executive and non-executive director of several NHS trusts.

She also founded the Abaseen Foundation which supports some of the poorest populations in rural North West Pakistan to find a path out of poverty.

Helen, awarded an OBE in 2019, receives her award on Wednesday 11 December for the significant contribution she has made to the NHS in the North West.

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