“Everybody you come across in your life, whether they are down on their luck or up on their luck, will bring something to you,” - these were the words of advice offered to graduates in Ipswich this week as a refugee activist was recognised with an honorary fellowship.

Ipswich Star: Ian Livingstone CBE was awarded an honorary doctorate Picture: UNIVERSITY OF SUFFOLKIan Livingstone CBE was awarded an honorary doctorate Picture: UNIVERSITY OF SUFFOLK (Image: UNIVERSITY OF SUFFOLK)

Rebecca Crerar, of Suffolk Refugee Support, was presented with an honorary degree from the University of Suffolk at one of their graduation ceremonies this week.

The dedicated campaigner has given nearly 20 years of service supporting Suffolk refugees and asylum seekers as they rebuild their lives in the UK.

Ms Crerar, who manages the organisation, has helped secure £3.5 million in grants as manager of the charity, which have paid for English lessons, training and emotional support.

She said: "I am honoured and thrilled to be receiving the honorary fellowship.

"I am accepting this award on behalf of the many refugees who have fought against unimaginable adversity to make this county their home, whilst remembering the many others who have lost their lives in the conflicts of the world."

Ms Crerar said to the graduating students: "Everybody you come across in your life, whether they are down on their luck or up on their luck, will bring something to you. They are all humans and they all have a lot to say and to give."

Ian Livingstone CBE, who co-founded iconic games company Games Workshop in 1975 - later launching Dungeons & Dragons in Europe - was awarded an honorary doctorate today.

In 1982, he co-authored The Warlock of Firetop Mountain, the first interactive gamebook in the Fighting Fantasy series which has sold almost 20 million copies worldwide. He wrote 15 of the titles, including City of Thieves, Forest of Doom and Deathtrap Dungeon.

Mr Livingstone, who was awarded a BAFTA special award for his contribution to the video games industry, said on receiving his honorary doctorate: "I feel magnificent - it is a great honour to receive this prestigious award from the university. My message to the students today is do not be afraid of failure; failure is success work in progress. In terms of the games industry, it is a fast, dynamic moving industry driven by technology, innovation and it's not easy to become successful at first but if you love what you do, you should see that not as a hardship but as a pleasure."