Hairy Biker Dave Myers becomes Honorary Fellow of University of Cumbria

'Hairy Biker' Dave Myers has become an an Honorary Fellow of the University of Cumbria in a ceremony at Carlisle Cathedral, for his 'lifelong and outstanding contribution to the media industry and for his innovation and excellence in the culinary arts'.

The TV chef, Celebrity Mastermind winner and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, from Barrow-in Furness in Cumbria, originally studied fine art and art history at Goldsmith's College, but he didn't attend his graduation because he couldn't afford the bus fair from Barrow.

He then became a make-up artist specialising in prosthetics, and went on to work on many high profile series, including an adaptation of Catherine Cookson's The Gambling Man, where he met Si King.

A self-confessed 'foodie', Dave's cooking career spans two decades. The Hairy Bikers' programmes began screening in 2005, attracting audiences of up to 5 million, while at the same time Dave and fellow Hairy Biker Si King have also managed to find the time to co-author fifteen books.

Dave and Si have just launched their memoirs in Blood, Sweat and Tyres, and are working together on two more television series for 2016, while Dave will present Hairy Builder next year.