The Great British Sewing Bee judge and local entrepreneur Patrick Grant has received an honorary fellowship.

The television judge donned a cap and gown on Friday (July 15) and took to the stage, being accoladed by the University of Central Lancashire for being an ‘outstanding person’ who had links to the red rose county, having set up a textile business in Blackburn.

He said: “I feel very proud to have received this honorary fellowship from the University of Central Lancashire.

“The textile industry, which is my bread and butter, is incredibly important and has been historically to the county of Lancashire.

“It has a fantastic part to play in the future of this county, not only in creating economic activity and creating skilled jobs, but it also has an important role to play in changing the way we think about the world of fashion and textiles and trying to make it a system that works more harmoniously with nature.”

The BBC One’s The Great British Sewing Bee judge, who runs Community Clothing and Cookson & Clegg, was recognised for the significant contribution he has made to the British clothing and textile industry, as well as supporting the University at events such as the Leaders in Residence Network Launch.

Giving advice to the thousands of graduating students, he added: “Follow your passion, don’t follow the money, do what feels great in your heart. Follow a career that you feel you can thrive in, that you have a real passion for because it’s going to be hard work but the more you love it the more fun you’ll get out of it.”

The University’s degree and award celebrations ran from July 11 to July 15 on the Preston Campus.