TODAY marks the start of three days of graduation ceremonies for York St John University students at York Minster.

Receiving their degrees alongside the hundreds of graduated this year, there will be a host of honorary degrees which will include Game of Thrones and The Full Monty actor Mark Addy, BBC journalist Andrew Marr, Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive Sir Gary Verity and Sherlock actress Una Stubbs.

Professor David Fleming was Vice Chancellor of York St John University from 2010 until earlier this year and will receive an honorary degree in recognition of the contribution he made to the university and the higher education sector. Following a successful international career in property, Professor Fleming moved into higher education and held roles at Nottingham Trent, Northumbria and Sunderland Universities before becoming Vice Chancellor of York St John University in 2010. Under his tenure York St John was awarded Research Degree Awarding Powers, grew significantly in size and strengthened its reputation for excellence in the student experience. Professor Fleming also served as Deputy Chairman of the UCAS Board.

York-born actor Mark Addy will receive an honorary degree in recognition of his successful career in film and television while Andrew Marr will receive an honorary degree in recognition of his successful career in journalism and broadcasting.

Una Stubbs is being recognised for her successful career in the performing arts, as well as family links to the city of York.

Her father, a confectioner, was born in York and her family has connections with the site of the University’s The Grange accommodation, which featured on the BBC programme Who Do You Think You Are? in 2013. Una featured on the cover of Dairy Box in the 1950s manufactured in York by Rowntrees.

David Bradley is another York-born actor being awarded an honorary degree in recognition of his successful career on stage, and in film and television. He trained as an actor at the Royal Academy for Dramatic Art (RADA) and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in 1971.

He has appeared in a number of films, including Hot Fuzz and Captain America, and as Argus Filch in the Harry Potter series.

Professor Karen Stanton, Vice Chancellor of the university, said: “We are delighted to be awarding these honorary degrees as part of our graduation celebrations.

“Graduation is a rewarding time for our students, the culmination of years of hard work, and the honorary graduands add to the occasion with their inspirational stories and successes in their respective fields.”

Honorary degrees will be presented at the graduation ceremonies in York Minster by Dr John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York and Chancellor of York St John University, in front of an audience of graduands, their families and friends, and staff.