Former goalkeeper to receive honorary doctorate

Chris Kirkland played for Liverpool and won a cap for England playing against Greece

A former professional goalkeeper, who has spoken openly about his mental health issues, is to be awarded an honorary doctorate.

Chris Kirkland played for Liverpool and won a cap for England playing against Greece.

Edge Hill University, based in Ormskirk, Lancashire, said Kirkland had "become an inspirational advocate to young people for being open and honest about mental wellbeing".

He is among six people honoured by the university.

'Inspirational people'

Former MP for Liverpool Riverside Dame Louise Ellman, who worked to secure new inquests into the Hillsborough disaster will also receive an honorary doctorate.

Court of Appeal judge Lord Justice Tim Holroyde, who was leading counsel for the prosecution in the trial relating to the deaths of 23 Chinese cockle pickers who drowned in Morecambe Bay in 2004, is also being honoured, along with Lord and Lady Shuttleworth and Steve Igoe, former deputy vice-chancellor of the university.

Vice-chancellor Doctor John Cater said it would be a "privilege" to welcome the six to the university.

“Graduation is a wonderful moment for students and their supporters, and we hope that collecting their certificates alongside such inspirational people will encourage our departing students to pursue their ambitions with enthusiasm,” he said.

Edge Hill’s Academic Board awards honorary degrees in recognition of the highest levels of personal achievement in academic, professional or public life.

Previous recipients include BBC journalist Clive Myrie, comedian Johnny Vegas and actor David Morrissey.