OLYMPIC triple-jump champion Jonathan Edwards CBE has been awarded an Honorary Degree by Northumbria University.

Edwards, an adopted Northerner who lives in Newcastle, received his Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law at Newcastle City Hall alongside students from the Schools of Psychology and Sport Sciences and Applied Sciences.

Edwards leapt to fame in 1995 when he was the first man to jump further than 18 metres.

He has won a clutch of medals, including Gold at the 2000 Olympics, and is one of only four UK athletes to have won the Grand Slam of four major championships.

Edwards, widely regarded as the greatest triple jumper in history, was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1993 and was given an MBE in 1996 and a CBE in 2001.

He is also noted for his religious beliefs and now guest presents Songs of Praise for BBC1.

Professor Kel Fidler, Vice-Chancellor of Northumbria University, said: "Jonathan has made an outstanding contribution to sport both regionally and nationally.

"His sporting successes make him a worthy ambassador for the region and an excellent role model for both our students and our graduates."