Peterborough actor Warwick Davis and Olympic gymnast Louis Smith MBE have both received honorary degrees from Anglia Ruskin University during student graduation ceremonies at Peterborough Cathedral.
Warwick received an Honorary Doctor of Arts award for his services to drama and his work to change the way that short people are represented in film and television.
The actor, who’s starred in Willow, Star Wars, Life’s Too Short and Harry Potter, is currently appearing in the West End musical Spamalot. He received his award alongside Faculty of Health, Social Care & Education students from Anglia Ruskin’s Guild House campus.
Louis, the winner of the last series of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, received an Honorary Doctor of Health Sciences award for his services to British sport, culminating in his silver medal in gymnastics at the 2012 Olympic Games.
He collected his award alongside students from University Centre Peterborough (UCP), a joint venture between Anglia Ruskin and Peterborough Regional College.
Professor Michael Thorne, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin, told ESP – “Both Warwick and Louis have been extremely successful in their respective fields and, particularly with their strong links to Peterborough, will serve as a great inspiration to the students graduating alongside them.
“Louis is one of the world’s leading gymnasts and his silver medal at last year’s Olympic Games was testament to his hard work and dedication.
“Warwick has enjoyed a long and successful acting career spanning film, TV and stage. Through his agency, Willow Management, he has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and change the way that short people are represented in the media, and we believe he serves as a fine role model for Anglia Ruskin students.”
Photo: Phil Mynott
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