THURROCK athlete Danny Crates was guest of honour as more than 270 students from South East Essex College and the University of Essex's Southend campus gathered at the Cliffs Pavilion to mark the end of their studies.

And he came away from the ceremony with his own honourary degree.

Paralympic gold medallist Danny, 34, was warmly applauded as he received an honoury accolade for his services to sport.

He said: ""I'm honoured to be receiving the degree. I've given more than nine years to my sport and it's nice to feel that's appreciated, and to be receiving it in such a successful year for the college and its students is a bonus."