Honorary degree for former Derby County player

Darren Moore helped the Rams to promotion in 2007 and is now a successful manager

A footballer who helped Derby County reach the Premier League is set to receive an honorary degree.

The University of Derby will honour Darren Moore, a defender who made 90 appearances for the Rams and played a key role in their promotion to the Premier League in 2007.

Mr Moore, now manager of League One side Port Vale, is one of four honorary degree recipients who will join graduates at ceremonies held at Derby Arena from 16 to 18 July.

University vice chancellor and chief executive Professor Kathryn Mitchell said it was awarding the degrees to "outstanding individuals" who are "an inspiration to our graduating students".

As well as Derby County, Mr Moore's 30-year playing career included more than 100 appearances for West Bromwich Albion, spells with Bradford City, Portsmouth, Barnsley and Burton Albion, and two international caps for Jamaica.

He was the first Jamaican to manage in the Premier League, is an Honorary Patron of Show Racism the Red Card and has performed extensive charity work including walking the Great Wall of China and cycling 100 miles in a day for Cure Leukaemia.

He will be made an honorary master of the university.

'Outstanding individuals'

Former Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire Willie Tucker will be awarded an honorary doctorate for his public service, which included organising 44 Royal visits.

Dr Rebecca Bennett, the founder of Sisters in Service, a support network for female veterans, will also be made an honorary master of the university.

And Christopher Nieper, chief executive of family-owned fashion firm David Nieper Ltd, is to be handed an honorary degree.

The Christopher Nieper Education Trust "reversed the fortunes of Alfreton's only secondary school" said the university, while he also founded the Christopher Nieper Foundation during lockdown to rejuvenate "Britain's forgotten towns".