FOUR-time British cycling champion Sid Barras has been officially honoured for his contribution to the world of sport.

Mr Barras, of Steeton, was awarded an honorary doctorate of sport science by Leeds Metropolitan University.

Reacting to the accolade, Mr Barras said: "I'm absolutely over the moon. When I got a letter about this I had to read it half a dozen times before I believed it, because you don't expect this sort of thing."

His honorary doctorate was presented at a ceremony which was also attended by hundreds of students. Also on stage at the event receiving an honorary doctorate was the former star Leeds United player Eddie Gray.

Mr Barras said: "We both had to make a speech, which was a bit nerve-wracking in front of so many people, but it was a great day. They treated us very well indeed."

He said that he would be helping out with cycling coaching at the university. His son, Tom, also coaches part time at the university.

Mr Barras's citation for the honorary doctorate, which was read out at the presentation event, described him as a British road racing legend, who amassed 200 wins in his 18 years as a professional cyclist.

He continues to mentor young cyclists, and in 2008 he won the National Over 50s Road Race Championship, near Pontefract.