University honours Corinne Bailey Rae

The singer, from Leeds, graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in English before finding fame in the music charts. She is due to be given the accolade in July when honorary degrees will also be bestowed upon three other recipients.

They include the chief executive of Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate, Jonathan Wild, biologist Professor David Stuart and NHS chief Dame Sally Davies.

Sir Peter Blake will also receive an honorary doctorate in music at another ceremony at the university tomorrow. The ‘godfather of pop art’ is best known for designing the sleeve for the Beatles LP Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band before going on to work with many other leading rock bands of the time.