HUMBLING and overwhelming were the separate emotions of two former Lord Mayors when they received honorary degrees from the University of Chester last month.

The recognition of the contribution of husband and wife Sue and Graham Proctor for their work to the city and the county dropped through the letter box of their Ash Bank, Pipers Ash home where they were reclaiming the front room from decades of service as an office for their public activities.

Their “outstanding achievements” were marked by the award of their honorary degrees - a Master of Science for Graham, a former science teacher at Christleton and Bishop's Bluecoat high schools and a Master of Arts for Sue - in separate ceremonies at last Friday's graduation day at Chester Cathedral.

"I am quite overwhelmed,"said Sue, also a former vice chairman of Cheshire County Council.

"I did not believe how emotional it would be".

"It is quite humbling really as it is an award from our own university which is really rather special," added Graham.

"From my point of view it is absolutely wonderful to get a Chester degree from Chester University".

The university's Public Orator, Prof Peter Harrop, told the ceremony Cllr Graham Proctor - both are on Great Boughton Parish Council - was being recognised for his outstanding contribution to the city and his support for the university and its work.

Cllr Sue Proctor, a deputy lieutenant for Cheshire, was recognised for her outstanding contribution to the county and her support for the university.

Sue was the city's first Lord Mayor in 1981 and Graham was elected to the position in 2001.