Blur bassist Alex James has been presented with an honorary doctorate from Bournemouth University.

James, who is also a renowned journalist and cheese farmer, received the Doctor Of Arts honour during the university's graduation ceremony.

“Follow your heart is the thing, whenever you find anything that you love, even if people think it’s ridiculous,” he told students.

“So when I say ‘cheese’ people laugh. But I don’t care cos I love the stuff. If you find something you love just go after it with all guns blazing. Go on you beauties. Go get ‘em!”

James also praised the significance of higher eduction, highlighting how Blur formed at art college.

(by Jason Gregory)