A STAND-up comedian, a pioneering hand surgeon, a TV presenter, a charity boss and a former Telegraph & Argus reporter will be honoured at the University of Bradford’s graduations next week.

Held at the university's Great Hall next Wednesday and Thursday newly-appointed Chancellor Kate Swann will present five honorary degrees and an honorary fellowship during the ceremonies where hundreds of students will complete their university life.

Among those picking up the honorary degrees are stand up comic Francesca Martinez, who will be named Doctor of the University for her charitable work and support for disability issues.

Ms Martinez is also an actor and author who lives with mild cerebral palsy. Her recent book What the **** is Normal?! received critical acclaim and is the first female comedian to win the prestigious Daily Telegraph Open Mic Award at the Edinburgh International Festival. She uses her profile to raise issues of disability and human rights.

Professor Simon Kay, who will be named Doctor of Science for his pioneering contribution to the development of hand surgery. Working at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, he founded a Children’s Hand Surgery Service and a Microsurgery Service and recently performed the UK’s first hand transplant.

Professor Audrey Paterson OBE, will be made Doctor of Health for her contribution to the development of radiography education.

Kate Bellingham, a presenter on Tomorrow's World and The Big Bang, will become a Doctor of Engineering for her contribution to STEM (science, technology, maths and engineering) education and championing women’s opportunities in engineering.

John Kirkby, Bradford-born Founder of Christians Against Poverty, a charity which has helped thousands of people, will be made a Doctor of the University for his contribution to the alleviation of poverty and problem debt.

Receiving an honorary fellowship will be John Salmon, a T&A reporter between 1971 and 1983 who extensively covered Bradford's growing population of ethnic minorities. After spending a year in India, he returned to the city where he began working for the Bradford Law Centre. Now employed there for 30 years and specialising in immigration and asylum law, he continues to advise and represent clients at tribunals. He is getting the honour for his contribution to social justice and support of immigrants and refugees, particularly the provision of legal support.

Professor Brian Cantor, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “The University of Bradford’s honorary graduates and fellows are all outstanding individuals.

"They are true inspirations, not only for their work, but for their contributions to society as a whole.

"I am honoured to welcome them to the University of Bradford and hope their accomplishments inspire our graduates to strive for greatness too.”