University honours top producer

Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the film Terminator

One of Hollywood's top film producers, with movies such as Terminator and Platoon to his credit, has been honoured by Bedfordshire University.

John Daly has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Arts in recognition of his contribution to the film industry.

With a career spanning 40 years he is one of the most respected producers in Hollywood having been nominated for 21 Oscars, the university said.

He has also been nominated for numerous BAFTAs and Golden Globes.

The university's chair of governors, Andrew Bentley, who travelled to the US to present the award, said: "John Daly has produced some truly iconic films proving that he is one the greats of his generation and we feel very proud to be honouring one of our own countrymen."

Mr Daly thanked the university for recognising his contribution to film and spoke about how his perseverance paid off before getting his break into the industry.

Mr Daly has was born in London in 1937 and is the son of a dockworker. After leaving school he worked as a tea boy and then spent three years as a waiter in the merchant navy.

In 1966 he founded a talent agency with the young actor David Hemmings and in 1971 bought Hemmings' share of the company, went on to form his own production company, Hemdale Group, and moved the operation to Los Angeles.

It was during the mid 1980s that he made the transition to Hollywood blockbusters.