RUNCORN comic John Bishop has today received an honorary fellowship from John Moores University in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the arts and the promotion of social causes.

John, 47, received his fellowship at a ceremony in Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral and caused hilarity by marking the occasion with a 'selfie'.

Runcorn and Widnes World:

He said: "It’s lovely to receive it, particularly as there are people here who have actually worked for their awards."

Wearing the traditional cap and gown, he joked that it would be "on his new tour poster".  

John raised £4.2m for Sport Relief after completing a triathlon from Paris to London, with training from LJMU’s Professor of Applied Sport and Exercise Science Greg Whyte.


 

Also receiving a Fellowship today was Jonathan Mark Falkingham, in recognition of his services to entrepreneurship and regeneration and Karen Gallagher for outstanding services to Dance.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel Weatherill said: "Each of the new Honorary Fellows have brought dedication, commitment and passion to their professions and in turn have empowered the communities around them through the arts, business, regeneration or sport.

"This aligns with LJMU’s commitment to changing lives through our teaching and learning, research, knowledge transfer and outreach activities.

"A modern civic university translates into supporting people, communities and causes, while addressing the issues that matter most.

"The Honorary Fellows of 2014 are exemplary role models in these areas and I am delighted that we will welcome such inspirational individuals to the University during our summer graduation ceremonies."