Omar Sharif receives Hull University honorary degree
Film star Omar Sharif has received an honorary degree from the University of Hull for his contribution to the arts.
The 78-year-old star of Hollywood epics Lawrence of Arabia and Dr Zhivago became a Doctor of Letters at a ceremony in Hull on Wednesday.
Mr Sharif's career has spanned six decades and he recently had roles in films such as 10,000 BC and Hidalgo.
He said he would not have accepted the honour from anywhere else - as he was a fan of Hull City Football Club.
Mr Sharif said his friend, Hull-born actor Tom Courtenay, influenced his decision to become a fan. The two lived together in a flat in the 60s.
He said: "He kept telling me about Hull City Football Club. I began to idolise the team.
"I would not have gone to any other city to get a degree. I wouldn't have gone to Oxford or Cambridge or anywhere."
He added: "I loved the city without ever knowing what it was like."
BSkyB chief executive Jeremy Darroch, who studied economics at Hull University, was also given an honorary degree, becoming a Doctor of Science.