BALLET dancer and Strictly Come Dancing judge Dame Darcey Bussell was among four creative leaders awarded honorary fellowships by Arts University Bournemouth.

She joined costume designer Jenny Beavan OBE, Margaret Calvert OBE and director and screenwriter Edgar Wright at graduation ceremonies in the town.

Hosted by AUB Chancellor Sir Christopher Frayling, the honorary fellows delivered inspiring addresses to galvanise the next generation of artists.

Darcey Bussell, a former Principal dancer at the Royal Ballet for almost 20 years, has already built relationships with AUB students. She previously met with Graphic Design, Animation and Dance students to discuss her aerobic dance workout DDMIX, and set them a challenge to explore its potential.

Edgar Wright, a screenwriter and producer who also directed Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, has also taken a hands-on approach to developing the students’ skills. He is a graduate of AUB.

Professor Stuart Bartholomew CBE, AUB’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor said: "Inspiring and encouraging the next generation of creative talent is at the heart of everything we do at AUB. To have four pioneering industry leaders on board who share our dedication to creating the artists, designers, directors and performers of the future is an incredible honour."

Darcey Bussell said: "I am very honoured. AUB is modern and it is cutting edge, so its graduates successfully feed directly into the creative industries of this country."

Edgar Wright said: "I’m thrilled to accept my honorary fellowship from AUB, or as I knew it back in 1992, the Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design. I still think very fondly of my time spent there."

Margaret Calvert, whose career across graphic design, typography and design education spans almost six decades, has an abundance of experience working with students in the arts, having served as a part-time tutor at the Royal College of Art from 1967 to 2001. She is most renowned for her design of Britain’s road signing system, which came into effect in 1965 and remains in place today.

Jenny Beavan is best known for her costume designs on major Hollywood productions including Gosford Park, Sherlock Holmes, The King’s Speech and Mad Max: Fury Road.