Honorary degree for Python star

Michael Palin received a Doctor of Letters

The comedian and travel presenter Michael Palin has spoken of his delight at having been awarded an honorary degree by Edinburgh University.

Speaking after receiving a Doctor of Letters on Wednesday, the former Monty Python team member said it meant a lot to him.

He also revealed Edinburgh was where he made the decision to pursue a career in comedy, acting and writing.

Students had put his name forward for the doctorate.

Mr Palin said: "It is a very fine university with a world-wide reputation, one of the great universities.

"Edinburgh means a lot to me because this is where I took my decision to become an actor and writer in 1964 when we came up to the festival.

"It was such a happy time, so I owe Edinburgh an awful lot."