A COMEDIAN and local singing sensation are among those set to receive honorary degrees at next week's University of Hertfordshire award ceremonies.

In a ceremony at St Albans Abbey the BBC star Sanjeev Bhaskar, best known for his work on Goodness Gracious Me and the Kumars at Number 42, will be awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his contribution to entertainment.

The comedian already holds one degree from the university after graduating from its business school in 1985.

Joining him will be music legend Donovan, who will become an honorary doctor of letters.

The pop star, who began his career in the 1960's with songs like Mellow Yellow and Catch the Wind, moved to Hatfield with his family when he was ten.

Others who will be honoured at the ceremonies that begin on Tuesday are the Marchioness of Salisbury for her cultivation of the gardens in Hatfield House and Professor Douglas Chamberlain CBE, who will be honoured for his services to resuscitation medicine.

Professor Peter Lines, who joined Hatfield Polytechnic in 1969, will be given an honorary Doctorate of Science and Mr Colin Johnson, who lectured at the university since 1967 and retired last year, will become an Honorary Master of Science.

Lord Slynn of Hadley and the Bishop of St Albans, the Right Reverend Christopher Herbert, will also be honoured.