A BISHOP and a Lord from Blackburn are among the dignitaries to become official role models for university students.

The Rt Rev Alan Chesters, Bishop of Blackburn and Lord Patel of Blackburn will be awarded with honorary fellowships from the University of Central Lancashire.

The degree ceremonies will take place in Preston's Guildhall in July.

Bishop Chesters is being chosen for his "contribution to his chosen career, education and the community"

Lord Patel is being recognised "for all of his many achievements and for his life-long commitment to race and community relations and to the regeneration of the North West region."

Others with East Lancashire connections due to pick up honorary fellowships include the Duke of Westminster. He owns the Abbeystead Estate in the Trough of Bowland. Professor Michael Orme, the director of Education and Training for the North West Regional Office of the NHS Executive, will join him.