BBC News

Shearer receives honorary degree

7 December 2009

Former Newcastle United and England captain Alan Shearer has been awarded an honorary degree.

He was among four people who received honours at Newcastle University to mark the inauguration of new Chancellor Sir Liam Donaldson.

It is the football legend's second doctorate of civil law - he received a similar honour at the city's Northumbria University in 2006.

He recently became patron of the late Sir Bobby Robson's cancer foundation.

Mr Shearer said: "It's a very great honour for me seeing as I am from the city."

Also honoured were Karen Davis, president of the Commonwealth Fund, former government minister Lord Darzi of Denham and BBC medical correspondent Fergus Walsh.

Sir Liam said: "I had the opportunity to choose four graduates that represent different facets of my interests, which are medicine, international health, public communication and sport.

"Newcastle United are my team. Alan Shearer is more than just a local legend, he's probably one of the greatest footballers of all time."