Paralympic cyclist gets doctorate

Darren Kenny received his doctorate on Tuesday

Paralympic gold medal winner Darren Kenny has received an honorary doctorate at a ceremony in Bournemouth.

The 39-year-old, from Verwood, has picked up six gold medals in cycling events at the last two Paralympic Games in Beijing and Athens.

He received the award from Bournemouth University in recognition of his achievements in cycling and for his "determination and perseverance".

The ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Bournemouth International Centre.

Mr Kenny's career appeared to be over when he was just 19. A crash during a race tour in Ireland injured his neck. But by 2004 he had regained his fitness and collected two golds and a silver medal at the Paralympics in Athens.

In 2008 he collected four more gold medals and a silver in Beijing. He was also made an OBE in 2009.

More than 4,500 graduates are collecting awards at the Bournemouth University's seven graduation ceremonies, which continue until Friday.