A leading Sikh who has worked for racial harmony in Bradford, a former health chief and the TV actor who played Kevin the teenager's dad are all being honoured by Bradford University.

They will line up alongside 1,100 students for graduation ceremonies next week.

Figures from the worlds of business, health, equal opportunities, theatre and television have been selected to receive honorary doctorates.

Sikh campaigner Harjap Pooni, Eccleshill-born actor Duncan Preston, engineer Malcolm Thomas and Ian Donnachie, former chief executive of Bradford Health Authority, will don caps and gowns for the ceremonies in the Great Hall of the university's Richmond Building.

Mr Pooni, who will be made Doctor of the University, has worked on behalf of the Sikh community in Bradford for 20 years. A graduate of Leeds Metropolitan University, he is a founder member and former secretary of the Bradford Sikh Parents' Association and for nine years was Secretary of the Yorkshire Sikh Forum.

His work has included helping to set up a day care centre for the elderly and he is now devoting much of his time to establishing a community centre for young people and their families.

Mr Pooni has been a key player in helping to organise the annual Vaisakhi festival and last year helped to organise a Tricentenary Celebration.

Mr Pooni receives a doctorate for his work in encouraging greater harmony between the City of Bradford's diverse communities and in promoting cultural, educational and social initiatives, particularly for young people in Bradford.

Actor Duncan Preston, who began his career on the tiny stage of the Priestley Centre for the Arts in Bradford, is now better known for a host of prime time TV roles.

The former Bradford Grammar School pupil discovered his love of acting in the 1960s. His long-standing collaboration with Victoria Wood has seen him take on many characters in her shows and films. He has also made regular appearances as Kevin the Teenager's dad in BBC1's Harry Enfield and Chums.

Car designer Malcolm Thomas is made doctor of engineering for his contributions to automotive engineering, design, to education and to the promotion of diversity within the profession.

Ian Donnachie, the fourth recipient of an honorary doctorate, has been a senior manager in the NHS, most recently as chief executive of Bradford Health Authority.