England cricketer Ian Bell receives honorary degree

[dutchman]

England cricketer Ian Bell has been presented with an honorary degree at Coventry University.



The batsman, who was born in the city, was made an honorary Doctor of Business Administration at a ceremony at Coventry Cathedral.

The award is in recognition of his contribution to sport and his charity work with children.

The Warwickshire player and his wife support the Acorns Children's Hospice Trust in the West Midlands.

Bell is already an MBE for his contribution to the Ashes in the summer of 2005.

He is one of eight people receiving honorary degrees at the university this week.

David Strudley, Chief Executive of Acorns Children's Hospice Trust, said the cricketer had been generous with his time and support.

Bell said: "It's great to be recognised for my work off the field, as well as for my performances with England and Warwickshire.

"Acorns Hospice does a fantastic job in supporting thousands of children and their families across the Midlands, and I feel very privileged to have been made one of its patrons."