TV chef awarded honorary degree

Rick stein with his beloved Jack Russell, Chalky

Celebrity chef Rick Stein is to receive an honorary degree during a ceremony at the University of Brighton.

Mr Stein, from Padstow in Cornwall, is being recognised for his contribution to the hospitality industry and his support for local food production.

The renowned chef, who specialises in seafood, has his own academy and a small business empire.

To celebrate his award, Mr Stein is opening a new culinary arts centre at the university's site in East Sussex.

The new facility includes a kitchen and a restaurant, allowing students to show off their skills to the public.

Mr Stein has written nine popular cookbooks and made eight television series.

He has cooked twice for Tony Blair at 10 Downing Street, once for the French President Jacques Chirac and on another occasion for the Queen and Prince Philip to celebrate the Golden Jubilee.