A star of television and film has spoken of the “incredible honour” of being awarded one of the University of Suffolk’s first honorary doctorates.

Ipswich Star: Diana Quick prepares to be presented with her honorary degree from the University of SuffolkDiana Quick prepares to be presented with her honorary degree from the University of Suffolk (Image: Archant)

Suffolk actor Diana Quick was presented with her doctorate at the Ipswich campus’s graduation ceremony this evening (October 18), collecting her degree along with hundreds of Business School students.

The Brideshead Revisited star is the first of six honorees who are being awarded alongside more than 1,300 students graduating this week at the at the Corn Exchange.

Joining her will be Oscar winning writer-director Mat Kirkby, Brian Tobin, founder of Iceni, former Northgate High School headteacher and press regulator Neil Watts, Ruth May, deputy chief nursing officer for England, and Olympic boxing medallist Anthony Ogogo from Lowestoft.

Mrs Quick said: “It is a great honour to get my first doctorate. I am very proud of Suffolk, my adopted home, and it is fantastic that we now have a university of our own.”

Ipswich Star: Angela Wright at the University of Suffolk graduation ceremonyAngela Wright at the University of Suffolk graduation ceremony (Image: Archant)

The 69-year-old said the cultural, social and economic impact of the university will be a “huge” benefit to the county and that she is looking forward to how she can help students in the future.

Mrs Quick said she hoped to link up with the university in her role as artistic director at the Aldeburgh Documentary Festival and as a trustee of the Aldeburgh Cinema.

Mrs Quick praised the university for its “ground up” and community led approach, which she said is inspiring people from all walks of life to do things they may not have thought was achievable for them.

Five more graduation ceremonies will take place tomorrow and on Thursday. This year’s graduates are the last to be accredited by the University of East Anglia and the University of Essex. In October 2017 the university of Suffolk will accredit its own degrees for the very first time.

Ipswich Star: Dianna Quick is given an honourary degree by the University of SuffolkDianna Quick is given an honourary degree by the University of Suffolk (Image: Archant)

Richard Lister, vice-chancellor, said: “We are delighted to be able to welcome such a distinguished group of individuals as honorary graduates and fellows.”

Ipswich Star: University of Suffolk graduates on the steps of the Town Hall on Ipswich's CornhillUniversity of Suffolk graduates on the steps of the Town Hall on Ipswich's Cornhill (Image: Archant)