SHE is already a doctor of medicine and now the chief executive of Bolton NHS Foundation Trust has been honoured with the title again.

Dr Jackie Bene was recognised by the University of Bolton by being made a Doctor of Health Care for her outstanding contribution to her field. She received the honorary doctorate during the second day of the degree ceremonies in front of students graduating in health courses.

Dr Bene said: “I was very surprised and flattered to asked. It is a great honour.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure and honour to serve the Bolton community for the past 20 years.

“In that time I have worked with many inspirational and talented people in developing services for the community, across the community and in the hospital.

“Since becoming chief executive that I have seen a vision for ourselves in partnership with the university providing opportunities for graduates an important relationship going forward.”

Also graduating from the university alongside students yesterday was Chris Houghton who was made a Doctor of the University for his outstanding services to charity. The former Thornleigh Salesian College runs Eventura, an IT security consultancy, in Westhoughton. He was a founding member of the Bolton Business Board of the NSPCC and patron of Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

He said: “It’s a humbling and great privilege to receive a honorary degree from my home town and the university

“Sadly when I did my degree I had to go down the road to Manchester as Bolton’s Institute of Higher Education was then best known for hosting a little know but my favourite band Motorhead

“What a brilliant achievement the University of Bolton is.”

He paid tribute to the work of the Royal Society of St George which provided the framework to help others and and he encouraged students to help others as move through their lives.