ONE of Hollywood's biggest stars is set to receive an honorary degree from Suffolk College this week.English-born actor Ralph Fiennes, who has had lead roles in blockbuster films like Schindler's List, The English Patient and The End of the Affair, will be awarded a Doctorate of Civil Law (DCL), at a ceremony on Wednesday .

ONE of Hollywood's biggest stars is set to receive an honorary degree from Suffolk College this week.

English-born actor Ralph Fiennes, who has had lead roles in blockbuster films like Schindler's List, The English Patient and The End of the Affair, will be awarded a Doctorate of Civil Law (DCL), at a ceremony on Wednesday .

The College was keen to bestow the honour on the star, because of his links with Suffolk.

He grew up in north Suffolk, alongside his brother Joseph, also a celebrated actor, who recently appeared in Enemy at the Gate.

His sister Martha also achieved fame, as a film director, and won top prize at the Tokyo International Film Festival in 1999.

The only one of the Fiennes clan to shun fame was Joseph's twin brother Jake – he now works as a gamekeeper.

Another popular figure to be honoured by the College is Olympic swimmer Karen Pickering. The European gold medal winner, who lives and trains in Ipswich, will receive a DCL at a separate ceremony on Thursday.

Lady Jill Freud, the artistic director of a theatre company, will also be honoured.

More than 1500 students will graduate this year from the College, which is affiliated to the University of East Anglia.

College Principal Dave Muller said: "It is a very important day for our college. I am delighted that so many people from Ipswich and Suffolk will be graduating at the same time as we will be recognising the achievements of our Honorary Graduates."