DAY TWO of Bournemouth University’s graduation week saw paralympic sailor Helena Lucas, television presenter Alice Roberts and former principal of the Anglo-European Chiropractice College Kenneth Vall receive honorary doctorate degrees.

Following Olympic gold-medallist Peter Wilson’s award, the three were the next to be honoured at BU’s graduation ceremonies by one of the highest possible awards to be conferred by higher education.

Alice Roberts is a scientist and television presenter for the programmes ‘Coast’, ‘Digging for Britain’ and ‘Ice Age Giants’.

She spent more than seven years working towards her PhD in paleopathology and is now the Director of Anatomy for the NHS Severn Deanery Postgraduate School of Surgery.

Alice said: “It’s very exciting. I feel very honoured to be here alongside hundreds of other students graduating.

“I’ve had close connections with Bournemouth over the years, so it’s incredible to be welcomed by the university.”

Second recipient Helena Lucas won a gold medal in the one person keelboat event during the 2012 Paralympics, becoming the first British sailor to win Paralympic gold.

A Southampton Solent graduate, she initially tried competing in non-disabled events, but being born with a defect in both her thumbs made her eligible for Paralympic events.

Helena was appointed an MBE for services to sailing this year.

Final recipient Kenneth Vall has just retired from the AECC, though he will remain active as an important member of the chiropractic community.

He is a member of the Bournemouth University Senate and was instrumental in helping students at the AECC receive public funding from the government in 2005.

Four more honorary doctorates will be awarded this week, with ceremonies ending tomorrow.