Sochi 2014 champion Yarnold to get honorary doctorate

Lizzy Yarnold won gold in the women's skeleton at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics

Olympic gold medallist Lizzy Yarnold and co-creator of the children's TV series Bagpuss, Peter Firmin, are to receive honorary doctorates.

Yarnold, from West Kingsdown, near Sevenoaks, won Great Britain's only gold medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi in the women's skeleton.

Firmin created several children's TV shows with his business partner Oliver Postgate in studios near Canterbury.

Their doctorates are being awarded by Canterbury Christ Church University.

Hero's welcome

Yarnold was given a hero's welcome during an an open-top bus parade in her honour in Sevenoaks in March.

She also received Kent County Council's Invicta Award in May.

Firmin set up the production company Smallfilms with Postgate. The pair were also behind other children's favourites including Ivor the Engine and The Clangers.

The Kent university is also awarding honorary doctorates to ceramic artist Edmund de Waal, lawyer Sir John Mummery and Dulwich Picture Gallery director of learning and public affairs, Gillian Wolfe.

"We are delighted to be able to honour such a distinguished group of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds," said vice-chancellor Prof Rama Thirunamachandran.

"All have achieved great distinction and excellence within their chosen careers."

The doctorates will be presented this month in Canterbury Cathedral, where more than 1,800 students will graduate over two days.