FORMER Barnardo's boy and internationally renowned fashion designer Bruce Oldfield came home yesterday to pick up a major honour.
The favourite designer of some of the world's most glamorous women was awarded an honorary degree by Northumbria University, in Newcastle.
It was all a long way from the two-up-two-down in Hett, near Spennymoor, County Durham, where Mr Oldfield was first taught to sew by his seamstress foster mother, Violet Masters
The designer was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law after holding master classes from the university's fashion course. In his acceptance speech, he remembered his roots, saying that seeing Durham Cathedral on his journey to Newcastle had made him feel he was coming home.
Vice-chancellor of Northumbria University Professor Kel Fidler said: "Bruce Oldfield has successfully combined natural talent, hard work, determination and business acumen to achieve his position as one of the world's greatest fashion designers. He is an excellent role model for our students."
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