Comedian Julian Clary has become a doctor of civil law after receiving an honorary degree on the first day of ceremonies at the University of East Anglia.

Clary, who received his degree yesterday morning alongside the classes of mathematics and pharmacy, has Norfolk connections as his mother was brought up in Stoke Ferry.

His association with Norfolk includes Christmas and summer holidays as a child spent happily in the county which he refers to as a 'special place'.

Although Clary said he was initially surprised to hear that he would be honoured, he was keen to accept the honour and joins friends Stephen Fry and Jasper Conran among those to have also been honoured by the university in the past.

When asked what advice he would give to the students graduating from the UEA today, Clary said: 'I would say not to worry, things happen without any planning. Well, that's what I would say to my 20-year-old self.'