FILMMAKER Mike Leigh is to be given an honorary degree by Manchester Metropolitan University’s Crewe-based Department of Contemporary Arts.

The multi-award winning director will become a Doctor of Arts at the graduation ceremony on Friday July 13.

Also receiving honorary degrees are Elbow singer Guy Garvey, fashion designer Sarah Burton and television presenter Gethin Jones.

Mike Leigh grew in Salford, and is known for films including Vera Drake, Life is Sweet and Topsy Turvy.

He started his career in the theatre, including periods at the Midlands Art Centre in Birmingham and the RSC, before making his first feature film, Bleak Moments, in 1971. He went on to win the Best Director award at Cannes for Naked in 1993 and the Palme d'Or in 1996 for Secrets & Lies.

Dean of MMU Cheshire, Dennis Dunn, said: “I am delighted that Mike Leigh OBE has accepted the recognition of our Honorary Doctorate. He is rightly internationally acclaimed as writer and director of film and theatre.

“His body of work both captivates and inspires our contemporary arts graduates, indeed some of his earlier work has traversed the decades and remains as relevant and contextual today, as it was when he created it.

“MMU Cheshire is delighted to welcome Mike into the illustrious company of honorands at MMU.”