FORMER British triple jumper Jonathan Edwards will received an honorary degree from Durham University today.

The former Olympic champion, who has held the triple jump world record since 1995, graduated from Durham in Physics in 1987.

He now returns to receive the highest accolade a university can give in honour of his outstanding athletic career.

As well as achieving positions such as BBC Sports Personality of the Year, Edwards holds gold medals from the 2000 Summer Olympics Games, the 2001 World Championships and the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Such achievements have earned him status as one of Britain's all-time international top sportsmen.

Also receiving honorary degrees later in the week will be General Sir Richard Dannatt, the professional head of the British Army, and author David Constantine, a former Durham University lecturer.

General Dannatt, a former Durham University Students' Union President and Durham History graduate, has served as Chief of General Staff of the British Army since August 2006 when he replaced General Sir Mike Jackson.

Edwards and Dannatt will receive the honorary title of Doctor of Civil Law while Constantine will gain the honorary title of Doctor of Letters.

The accolades will be conferred by Chancellor Bill Bryson in Durham Cathedral.

University vice-chancellor Prof Chris Higgins said: ''General Sir Richard Dannatt, Jonathan Edwards and David Constantine are remarkable individuals whose international successes reflect, in different ways, the achievements and influence of Durham University's alumni and staff.

''It is a real pleasure and privilege to be able to recognise and honour such excellence and success with the award of honorary degrees.''