AN EIGHTIES pop superstar, a dub poet and the founder of some of the south’s best-loved music festivals are just some of those receiving honorary doctorates this year from a Southampton university.

Holly Johnson - lead singer of Frankie Goes To Hollywood whose iconic t shirts ‘Frankie Says Relax’ were a staple of the 80s fashionista’s wardrobe - will be honoured with a doctor of arts from Southampton Solent University,

Warsash-born Robert Gorman - aka Rob da Bank, DJ and founder of Bestival and Common People - will be handed a doctor of business and performer and poet Linton Kwesi Johnson will get a doctor of letters.

Also on the list is award-winning journalist and BBC diversity champion Shelley Alexander, blogger Ateh Jewel and former captain of the Queen Mary II Capt. Kevin Oprey.

They will all be handed their accolades along with 2,500 students who will be celebrating reaching the end of their studies.

Ten ceremonies over five days at the Guildhall from today will showcase the latest graduate talent - in subjects from sport science to illustration, and fashion to yacht-design, and business management to TV and film production.

Vice-Chancellor of Solent, Professor Graham Baldwin said: “Graduation is the highlight of our academic year, providing an opportunity for us to celebrate the skills, achievements and future success of our students.

“I am proud to be the Vice-Chancellor of such a dynamic, diverse and inspirational university that produces work-ready graduates; and of our excellent facilities and academic expertise that help give our talented students the opportunity to excel in their studies and their chosen careers.”

Solent University Chancellor, Admiral The Right Honourable Lord West of Spithead, and the chair of the board of governors, Phil Cotton, will preside over the University’s graduation ceremonies.

The ceremonies will be broadcast live online.

The academics and professionals receiving honorary degrees who have made an “outstanding contribution in their field of expertise” are:

• Ateh Jewel (Doctor of Media)

• Nisha Haq (Master of Arts)

• Mark Sanger (Doctor of Arts)

• Ian Hughes (Doctor of Technology)

• Jason Ker (Doctor of Maritime Studies)

• Captain Kevin Oprey (Doctor of Maritime Studies)

• Linton Kwesi Johnson (Doctor of Letters)

• Robert Gorman (Doctor of Business)

• Paul Sinton-Hewitt (Doctor of Sport)

• John Wilson (Doctor of Arts)

• Sean Yazbeck (Doctor of Business)

• Paul Griffiths (Doctor of Business)

• Professor David Ferry RE (Doctor of Arts)

• Holly Johnson (Doctor of Arts)

• Richard Woods (Master of Arts)

• Shelley Alexander (Doctor of Sport)