ELIZABETH Newman, the artistic director of Bolton’s Octagon Theatre, was star of the show as she received an honorary degree from the University of Bolton.

Elizabeth becomes a Doctor of Arts for her outstanding contribution to arts and to Bolton.

As she received the honour at Bolton’s Albert Halls on Tuesday July 17, she told how her grandmother, Bessie Margaret Phillips, who died on Sunday aged 83 after a fight against cancer, was a massive inspiration.

“She was just an amazing woman. Without her influence I simply would not be here today,” she said.

Elizabeth added: “It means so much to me to receive this honorary doctorate.

“I was shocked when I received the letter from Professor Holmes. I couldn’t believe it really, it’s a wonderful honour and a privilege.

“The University of Bolton is such an extraordinary institution. It has been a joy to work with the university for the past 10 years.”

Elizabeth joined the Octagon almost 10 years ago and in 2015, when the then artistic director David Thacker stepped down to spearhead a new BA (Hons) Theatre Degree at the University of Bolton.

She said: “It has been so extraordinary to create, co-write the theatre degree with the university.”

During her time at the helm, the theatre celebrated its 50th anniversary.

She has directed productions as diverse as Singin’ in the Rain, Jane Eyre and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.

Elizabeth also delivered artistic programmes that engaged more young people, community groups and emerging artists than ever before, including National Octagon Prize, work with Refugees and Asylum Seekers, Best of Bolton, Dinner Parties, Community and Young People Productions, Open Days, REVEAL Festival, Dementia Programme, Octagon Academy, Storyplay for early years and large-scale events like the Octagon Pleasure Beach, which welcomed thousands of new visitors to the theatre.

She was named Bolton’s Woman of the Year at the ‘Inspirational Women of Bolton Awards’ in May.

Elizabeth will leave Bolton at the end of next month to take up a new position at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre in Scotland.

The head of Bolton Music Service for the past 10 years received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bolton as part of its graduation celebrations.

Carolyn Baxendale becomes a Doctor of Arts for her outstanding contribution to education.

She received the honour at Bolton’s Albert Halls on Tuesday July 17 at the university’s graduation ceremony.

Carolyn has focused on improving the quality of music education in schools across Greater Manchester, enabling 8,000 children a week to play a musical instrument.

She said: “I feel very excited – especially now that I have arrived at the Albert Halls and I can feel the excitement of the other students.

“It takes me back to when I did my own degree and that feeling of pride on graduation day and that’s really palpable.”

Carolyn is also a trustee of the Trust Music charity which provides practical and financial support to transform the lives of young people through music. In 2016, she was presented with an MBE for services to music and the community in Bolton.

She added: “One of the things I am delighted about with this award is that it really says a lot about music education and the value and importance of that to young people and that’s what we are championing here in Bolton through Bolton Music Service.”

Video game designer Arthur Parsons received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bolton for his outstanding contribution to gaming technology.

Arthur, who is Head of Design at Knutsford-based TT Games, the developer behind worldwide hits Lego Star Wars, Lego Batman and Lego Harry Potter, said it was a huge honour.

He added: “It’s one of those unusual things where you get the letter through the post and you just have to ask yourself the question – was this meant to come to me?”

Arthur spends much of his time inspiring future video game makers around Greater Manchester, presenting to students at schools, colleges and universities, including the University of Bolton.

He said: “Obviously my day to day job is making video games and have been for quite a long time with a very talented group of people, but as much as possible I spend time with people that want to become game developers because in the 21 years I have been doing this I have made more than enough mistakes for one career. It is useful to help people not make those mistakes.

“The video game industry is an amazing industry and it is such a big business. It is a market that is constantly growing because of smart phones, consoles, PCS and TV. Gaming is going to be everywhere.

“When we have self-driving cars, you are going to want to play a game when you are getting driven somewhere.”

Manchester businessman Kui Man Gerry Yeung was given the honour of Doctor of the University for his outstanding contribution to charity.

Gerry moved to the UK from China in 1977 and joined the landmark family restaurant business, the Yang Sing.

He now runs two successful businesses in the Trafford Centre.

As he received his honour at Bolton’s Albert Halls on Tuesday July 17, Gerry said: “It’s an absolute delight and an honour to receive this doctorate. I am humbled.”

Gerry has facilitated collaborations between the UK and China in education and the media, including the University of Bolton.

He was awarded an honorary doctorate in Science at Salford in 2005 and in Business Administration at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2009.

Gerry was the first Chinese person to be President of Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2003 and was last year chosen by the Queen to be High Sheriff of Greater Manchester.