Lieutenant will get university honour

The Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire will receive an honourary degree at Keele University's summer's graduation ceremonies.

James Hawley is one of five people receiving honourary degrees at the ceremonies from July 7 to 9.

He is being made a Doctor of the University in recognition of his contribution to the county as Lord Lieutenant since 1993.

Mr Hawley, who was born in 1937, has lived in Staffordshire all his life.

He is a qualified barrister but did not practice and spent almost 40 years in the textile industry.

He did his National Service in the South Staffordshire Regiment and then served for 12 years in the TA with the Staffordshire Yeomanry. He has been a magistrate for 40 years, was High Sheriff of Staffordshire 1976-77, Deputy Lieutenant 1978, a Tax Commissioner and a member of the Court of Keele University.

Dame Jo Williams will receive a Doctor of Letters In recognition of her contribution to social work and disability services. She is a commissioner with the Care Quality Commission and the former chief executive of the Royal Mencap Society.

She is a graduate of Keele University and began her career in 1971 as a social worker at Shropshire County Council.

Eric Hassall will receive a Doctor of the University in recognition of his contribution to industry and the work of the university. He was a member of the university council from 1995 to 2008 and Deputy Pro-Chancellor from 2003 to 2008.

David Cooney will receive a Doctor of the University in recognition of his contribution to diplomacy and public service.

He was appointed Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Ireland this year. He was previously Ambassador to the Irish Embassy in London

Professor Sir Alex Markham will receive a Doctor of Science in recognition of his contribution to molecular medicine He is the Professor of Medicine at the University of Leeds and directed the Molecular Medicine Unit at St James's University Hospital.