AN AWARD-WINNING broadcaster and a Daily Echo reporter were among those honoured at a Bournemouth University graduation ceremony on Tuesday.

Students from the Faculty of Media and Communications were the first to graduate during the morning.

Allan Little, a journalist who has reported on the fall of Communism in Czechoslovakia and the Gulf War, received Doctor of Letters from the university.

In a speech to students, the foreign correspondent said: "Never grow cynical of the idea of the idea of the autonomous mind - no matter how old you get.

"Never give up the idealism of your youth and the idea that your generation will make the world a better place."

Echo reporter Jason Lewis, who covers Christchurch, graduated with a first in multimedia journalism. He also won the Daily Echo award.

Businesswoman Kate Kinninmont MBE also received a Doctor of Arts.

She advised graduands: "For people coming out of university today, that's not their education finished, that's really the beginning of something because we all have to keep learning and developing our skills."

Around 1,000 students graduated during the day, with more than 2,000 visitors attending the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) to watch the ceremony.

A further 300 people watched online from countries including India, Egypt, the Netherlands and the USA.

Professor John Vinney, vice-chancellor of the university, said: "I am so proud of the achievements of all of our graduating students, they have done an amazing job and it's brilliant to be celebrating their achievements alongside their family and friends."

Around 3,000 students will graduate throughout the week.

Strictly Come Dancing winner Ore Oduba, who grew up in Wimborne, and Cherries chairman Jeff Mostyn will be among those awarded honourary doctorates.