GREATER Manchester Police's former chief constable has spoken of his pride after being recognised for his achievements.

Sir Peter Fahy joined students at the first of six graduation ceremonies at the University of Bolton yesterday.

Mr Fahy was awarded with an honorary doctorate for his outstanding contribution to Greater Manchester and to charitable work.

Speaking at the event, he praised the diversity and strength of the town and the university.

He said: "It is a great honour to receive the doctorate because this is such a vibrant, modern, exciting university.

"I always liked coming to Bolton as chief constable because there was a lot going on, a lot of challenges and a great history and great culture. It's a very serious place Bolton.

"I'm proud to be here with all the students, they are the ones who have done all the hard work.

"It was a great privilege to be chief constable, there were some low times but also a lot of great times and it's good to be recognised for that work.

"There are lots of challenges in the world and hopefully the university has equipped the students well to deal with that."

Mr Fahy severed as chief constable of the UK's third largest police force for seven years, prior to which he spent six years in the same role in Cheshire. He was knighted in the 2012 Birthday Honours for services to policing.

The father of four was recently appointed Honorary professor of Criminal Justice by The University of Manchester's School of Law and is chief executive of international children's charity Retrak which works to improve the lives of vulnerable children in Africa and South America.