College honours fashion designer

Anne Tyrell was praised for supporting students and teaching staff

A fashion designer has been awarded an honorary degree by a Kent art college.

The University College for the Creative Arts presented Anne Tyrrell with a Master of Arts at its graduation ceremony at Rochester Cathedral.

The degree was awarded for an "outstanding contribution to fashion" and championing causes at the heart of the UK's fashion and textiles industry. Ms Tyrrell, who was born in Norwich, was awarded an MBE earlier this month for services to design.

Ms Tyrell, who is a member of the British Fashion Council (BFC), taught as a senior tutor at the Royal College of Art - where she graduated in 1960 - from 1974 until 1995.

Her work included liaising with industry to develop more opportunities for students.

Anne's contribution has been through so many different areas... throughout her long association with us Tony Glenville

She helped form the Student Forum initiative, bringing together the heads of college fashion departments and leading companies and was appointed chairman of the BFC Colleges Council in 2007.

Tony Glenville, course leader for fashion promotion, said: "We honour Anne only for her services to the British industry, London Fashion Week and Graduate Fashion Week but also because of her services to education and particularly to fashion at Rochester over the years.

"Anne's contribution has been through so many different areas - formal meetings, advice at private views and her personal support to both students and staff - throughout her long association with us."

For 25 years she was design director of John Marks, and her own label was stocked at stores such as Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Dickens & Jones, and House of Fraser.

As a design consultant, Ms Tyrell's clients have included Nike, John Lewis, Next, Royal Ascot, The Orient Express and London Underground.