BOXING star Amir Khan said he would bring the world title back to Bolton as he was honoured by the University of Bolton.

The sports star swapped his boxing robes for University of Bolton robes to receive an Honorary Doctorate for his outstanding contribution to sport and charity.

The pomp and splendour of the first of this week's graduation ceremony turned into a family affair as Amir's cousin, former England and Lancashire cricket Sajid Mahmood was also recognised for his outstanding contribution to sport.

Amir's family including his wife watched him graduate.

He said he was honoured to be from Bolton and to be awarded the doctorate and told the audience: "Hopefully we will bring that world title back to Bolton again."

Amir said: "I have always wanted a degree and now I can put Doctor in front of my name.

"It is an honour you can put it up there with one of the best awards I have ever got.

“I want it to inspire children to get involved in education.

"I know a lot of kids who don’t always push themselves in education — I believe education is one of the reasons I got so far.

“I was over the moon when I got invited to accept the honorary doctorate.

"My family was very happy because my mum always wanted one of us to have a degree or be at a ceremony like this so her dream has come true — she has always wanted to see me in that robe, it's very different to a boxing robe.

“It’s nice for my wife to be here — she is a double major herself and it made her happy that I got one."

Sajid congratulated the graduating students.

He said: “I am very excited about it. It’s a great honour to get this. My family are feeling very proud, especially for my mum to see my in a gown.

“It makes its special that Amir and I are getting the award together."

Former Bolton Mayor Cllr Martin Donaghy was honoured for his contribution to the town and the university.

He said: "This is not just for my services as Mayor but to all those people who had the confidence to vote for me to be Mayor of Bolton.

"I am deeply moved and my late mother and father would have been so proud to see me here to day. May they rest in peace."

Area Coroner for Manchester West Alan Walsh was honoured for his contribution to the town of Bolton.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted particularly  as my home is in Bolton was born in Bolton and work in Bolton.

“To share this with young people graduating today is extra special, the are full of optimism and on the threshold of their careers.

“I am extremely honoured.”

Baroness Warsi who became the first Muslim Cabinet Minister was honoured for her contribution to politics.

She said: “It is a real privilege, there are a lot of people who originate from the community I am from.The message is it does not matter where you come from you can be anything you dream of.”

Chancellor of the University of Bolton, The Rt Hon Lord Justice Ryder said: ”Everybody is here because they want to be and because they have all achieved, so it’s a huge personal congratulations to them, and not just for them but for their friends and family

“We have a fantastic group of honorary doctors this year.

“Each one has achieved something very significant personally whether it is locally or nationally and this is all about inspiring quality education for the future."