Hull City player nets honorary degree

His career has seen him play for England, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur and most recently help Hull City into the Premier League for the first time in the club's history. Off the field he represents the club in charity and community projects and was awarded a prize at the East Yorkshire Sporting Heroes and Champions awards.

He is not the only famous son from the city who will receive an honorary degree from the university during its winter degrees ceremony this week.

Businessman Paul Sewell is also being recognised for his career leading the building company Sewell Group, which is among The Sunday Times 50 Best Companies to work for list.

The firm is behind developments such as the country's first private finance initiative school – Victoria Dock Primary in Hull, and the first healthy-living centre for older people for Age Concern.

Other local figures to receive awards include forensic scientist Professor Dave Barclay, originally from Hessle, and local historian Alec Gill. Poet Benjamin Zephaniah is also to be honoured.