Music mogul Colin Lester has been given an honorary doctorate from Southampton Solent University for his services to the British music industry and to the city of Southampton.

Mr Lester , from Stanmore, has been a visiting fellow at the university for the last five years, and was presented with his award at a ceremony held at the Southampton Guildhall .

He has managed music acts such as The Brand New Heavies, Travis and Arctic Monkeys and Craig David through his London-based international artist management company , Twenty First Artists.

Paul Rutter, associate professor for Southampton Solent University , said: “We wanted to recognise not only his contribution to the music industry but also the work he has done on behalf of the City of Southampton.”

Mr Lester said: “I’m incredibly proud, I left school at 16 so getting a doctorate is amazing - people study years for this.

“I love working and interacting with the students at the university its important to nurture talent.”

Mr Lester dedicated his award to student Jonathan Roberts who was killed in a road traffic accident in 2011 during his first year at Oxford University.

Mr Roberts was a member of Belsize Park Synagogue and would have graduated this year.