THOUSANDS of successful students will be in the company of the mastermind behind Great Britain’s Olympic cycling triumph and one of the world’s most recognised humanitarians when they graduate at Chester Cathedral this week (November 5 to 7).

British Cycling’s performance director and former student at the University of Chester, Dave Brailsford MBE, and former hostage negotiator, Terry Waite CBE, are just two of the seven distinguished names who will be awarded honorary degrees during this week’s graduation ceremonies.

The honorary graduates will take their place on the platform wearing formal scarlet gowns, gold hoods and black bonnets specially made for them by royal robe-makers, Ede and Ravenscroft.

The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tim Wheeler, said: “As a university, we are delighted to recognise the significant achievements of our honorary graduates, whose efforts and talents have made such an outstanding contribution not just locally, but often nationally and internationally.

“The shared attributes they have each demonstrated throughout their success within their respective fields are among those the university values most dearly.

“The graduation ceremonies represent the culmination of years of dedication, hard work and sacrifice for thousands of our students, and we wish them all every success in their future careers, and with the opportunities which their qualifications and experience will bring.”