Funnyman Peter Kay picked up an honorary doctorate from his old university and told fellow graduates that he knew he would regret it if he had not given comedy "a go".

The Bolton-born Phoenix Nights star and Bafta award winner collected a Doctorate of Arts from Salford University, where he completed an HND in Media and Performance in 1996.

Peter, 43, told cheering graduates at the ceremony at Salford's Lowry Theatre: "When I graduated 20 years ago, I was feeling like many of the graduates here today about going out into the world.

"I knew I could make people laugh but I was frightened in case they wouldn't laugh. But I knew I would regret it if I didn't have a go."

And he joked: "I'm not sure what this Doctorate is exactly - I hope I'm not on a plane when they urgently need a doctor."

Kay's honourary award is for his contributions to television and comedy and his support for the university. He stops by for visits and masterclasses.

He won the Best Male Comedy Performance prize at the 2016 Bafta TV Awards where his show Car Share was named Best Scripted Comedy.

Kay was the North West Comedian of the Year in 1997 and boasts a Guinness World record for the most successful comedy tour ever by playing to more than 1.2 million people at 140 shows.

Salford University vice chancellor Professor Helen Marshall described Kay as "a huge comedic talent and an inspirational figure to many", adding that he is "a strong supporter of up-and-coming talent as demonstrated in his work with our arts and media students".