A BOXING legend, best-selling author and former AFC Bournemouth chairman will be presented with honorary doctorates from Bournemouth University next week.

Frank Bruno MBE, author Madeleine Wickham and Trevor Watkins will join almost 4,000 students graduating from the university for the ceremonies at the BIC which will be held between Monday and Friday.

A total of seven ceremonies will take place.

Frank Bruno MBE said: “This honour, I would like to think, it’s not only for my achievements in boxing but also in recognition of the work and the constant battle I’m trying to fight on behalf of the sufferers and carers of sufferers who have experienced this terrible curse of mental health.

“I am honoured more than I can truly express in these few words and I thank the people that put me forward and voted for me to get this honour.”

Madeleine Wickham, who also writes under the name Sophie Kinsella and is known for her Shopaholic series, said: “I am delighted and honoured to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Bournemouth University. I have been very fortunate in my life to have enjoyed a wonderful education and I am passionate about the importance of education in helping people to achieve happiness and fulfilment. I have been especially struck by the global reach of Bournemouth University and its commitment to providing a happy learning environment for its students. I am very grateful for this honour.”

Bournemouth University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Vinney said: “I am always delighted to welcome our Honorary Graduates to our BU community. It is great that we can take time each year to recognise people who have excelled in their chosen field and who have worked closely with us already.

“They will act as inspirational role models, both for our graduates and their families at the awards ceremonies, and they will continue to enrich our community as they partner with BU in the future too.”

Other people who will receive honorary doctorates include Ann Abraham, who was appointed Parliamentary and Health Ombudsman in 2002, Jim Stewart, chief executive of Poole Harbour Commissioners and Stephen Thorne, a former head of planning and regeneration for Poole.