THREE men from the Bradford district have been recognised with honorary awards from nearby universities for their contributions to business and education in West Yorkshire.

‘Mr Yorkshire’ Keith Madeley, from the city, and Tim Hodgson from Menston have both been awarded honorary fellowships by Leeds Trinity University, while Bingley-born Eric Nicholls has received an honorary doctorate from the University of Huddersfield.

Mr Nicholls is being honoured for his role in transforming the university into a prize-winning institution as a member of the University Council for almost 20 years.

Mr Nicholls began his working life at Rolls Royce, before coming the first qualified personnel officer at Bradford & Bingley, then going on to be PA to the chief executive and head of general insurance.

He first became involved at the university in 1995 and has served in a number of roles.

Christopher Brown, chair of the University Council, said: “Eric has played an important role in developing the policies, shaping the strategy and harnessing the energies that have resulted in us becoming a successful, multi-award winning and Gold-Rated institution for teaching.

“It is therefore a pleasure and a privilege to have the opportunity to persuade Eric to step forward from his accustomed place behind the scenes and receive this much-deserved award.”

Canon Keith Madeley, chair of the Yorkshire Society, and Leeds Trinity-alumnus Tim Hodgson have also received fellowships from the university.

Mr Madeley, born and raised in Bradford, co-founded independent financial services business in 1976, which he ran for more than 30 years.

He is also chair of the Yorkshire Society and has developed his own ‘Mr Yorkshire’ brand.

He is being honoured for his passion of connecting business and education.

Mr Madeley said: “I commenced my career by leaving formal education aged 16 to follow my passion for railways.

“I was privileged to work with someone who believed in my potential, encouraged my ambition and mentored me through extensive railway examinations, on completion of which I was appointed Britain’s youngest Station Master aged 21.

“The belief this person had in me had a profound affect, not only on my career, but in my attitude towards encouraging and assisting young people.

“It is my privilege and delight to be able to offer opportunities to all manner of young people, both in education and out, to realise their potential.

“Working with Leeds Trinity University, their inspirational staff and delightful students has already been most fulfilling, and I hope to be of assistance for many years to come.”

Menston’s Tim Hodgson graduated from Leeds Trinity in 1997 and receives his Fellowship for his continued commitment to the university and its students.

After leaving Trinity and All Saints College - as it was known then - Mr Hodgson embarked on a career in property.

He added: “I have very fond memories of studying at TASC, making lifelong friends and enjoying my three years here, and I’ve continued to support the University and its students wherever I can.

“But in all honesty, when I graduated, I didn’t quite get the grade I was after – so to be awarded an Honorary Fellowship 20 years later almost feels like I’ve redeemed myself!”

Mr Madeley and Mr Hodgson are two of seven people receiving honorary fellowships at Leeds Trinity this week.