FASHION designer Bruce Oldfield is to return to his North-East roots to collect an honorary degree.

Northumbria University will present the designer with an honorary doctorate of civil law during a ceremony on Monday.

A Barnardo's child, Mr Oldfield grew up in Hett, near Spennymoor, County Durham, with his seamstress foster mother, Violet Masters, who taught him to sew and nurtured his creativity.

Since then, he has become internationally renowned for dressing a dazzling list of rich and glamorous people.

Last year, an exhibition of his work, featuring outfits designed for the Queen of Jordan and Bianca Jagger among others, was held at the Laing Art Gallery, in Newcastle.

The exhibition was a collaboration between Tyne and Wear Museums, Bruce Oldfield Ltd and Northumbria University and involved fashion students exhibiting their work alongside original Oldfield creations.

The designer also held master classes with students from the university's fashion course, offering advice and guidance.

Professor Kel Fidler, vice-chancellor of Northumbria University, said: "He is an excellent role model for our students as someone who has achieved an international reputation for excellence in his chosen field.''