COUNCILLOR David Ward has been awarded a Masters Degree in Middle East Politics and Security Studies.

Mr Ward, a Lib Dem councillor for the Bolton and Undercliffe ward, completed the two-year part-time course at the University of Bradford and was awarded a distinction for his dissertation, which examined the definition of antisemitism.

He said: “The course was very challenging but the facilities and quality of lectures at the university were superb.

“Having lived and worked in Israel as a young man and travelled to many of the Middle East states I have always had an interest in this area of the world that is so fascinating but sadly so troubled by conflicts.”

Councillor Ward, who is a member of Amnesty International is now hoping to become an ‘Amnesty Teacher’ to help schools include human rights in the curriculum.