Blue Peter's Helen Skelton given University of Cumbria honour (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Blue Peter's Helen Skelton given University of Cumbria honour

8:50pm Wednesday 30th November 2011 in Allerdale news By Kate Proctor, Reporter

BLUE Peter presenter Helen Skelton has become the youngest ever person to receive an honorary fellowship from the University of Cumbria.

The 28-year-old daredevil star, who is originally from Kirkby Thore, was among five eminent people from the North West to be awarded the honour at a ceremony at Carlisle Cathedral.

She joined broadcaster Harry King, paper businessman Sir James Cropper and Lancaster’s former Royal Albert Hospital researchers Jill Ward and Jeffrey Fardon, who received the award posthumously.

Ms Skelton described her award as poignant as she had graduated from the university with a first class degree in journalism seven years ago. The awards were given out during a three-day celebration at the cathedral, which saw more than 800 students graduate.

The University’s new Vice Chancellor Peter Strike said "Graduation is a chance for everyone at the university to celebrate the students' success and wish them well for the next stage in their lives."