York-born actress Dame Judi Dench has picked up another award - an honorary doctorate from the University of Hull.

The star of stage and screen was made a Doctor of Letters at the annual presentation of degrees at Hull City Hall. Dame Judi was given her doctorate by the chancellor, Lord Armstrong of Ilminster, after her citation was read out by the university's Emeritus Professor of Drama, Donald Roy. Prof Roy's speech included mention of her theatre and film work, and also her association with numerous charities. He also referred to her earliest role, when she played a snail at a nursery school play in York.

Afterwards, Dame Judi, who clinched an Oscar playing Elizabeth I in Shakespeare In Love, took time out to visit the university and meet the new drama graduates.

Among those she spoke to was 20-year-old Liz Hughes, from York, who said: "She talked to me about her days in York, so it all made the day really special."

Thanks to Mike Kennedy for sending this article which appeared on the This is York web site on July 17, 2001.