A LEADING authority on health care issues was unable to receive an accolade from her former university, due to ill-health.

Dr Miriam Stoppard was the most well-known name among the quartet of figures selected to receive honorary degrees at this summer's graduation ceremonies at Durham University.

The author and broadcaster on health matters was to have received an honorary doctorate of civil law from university chancellor, Sir Peter Ustinov, in a ceremony in the Great Hall of Durham Castle, last Thursday.

But hours before the planned ceremonial, word reached the university that Dr Stoppard was unable to travel to Durham.

It is hoped Dr Stoppard, a Durham graduate before finding fame with her popular health publications in the Seventies, may be able to return to her alma mater to receive the award at a further presentation ceremony, in December.

The other recipients of honorary degrees were Nobel Prize winning American scientist, Professor Roald Hoffman, influential French mathematician, Professor Jean-Pierre Serre, and international management guru and author, Professor Charles Handy