BOLTON born and bred baker Derrick Warburton is set to become an Honorary Fellow at Bolton Institute.

It will be a second degree for the retired businessman who graduated from Manchester University in 1949 before joining the famous family baking business.

The former Bolton School pupil who also studied at the Harvard Business School is one of five leading figures to be awarded honorary degrees by the Institute. He will receive his degree on Friday at one of the four awards ceremonies held at the Victoria Hall.

The others include two more of Bolton's most famous sons - international artist Patrick Caulfield CBE and business supremo Sir Alan Cockshaw.

Mrs Zahida P Manzoor CBE, who has worked extensively in public service, and Dr Anne Wright CBE, Chief Executive for the University for Industry, will also be honoured.

Today hundreds of students and their proud families gathered at the hall for the first two of four ceremonies.

Over the two days, 1200 students will collect their degrees and other awards in front of family, friends, Institute staff and invited dignitaries.

It will be first time Principal Mollie Temple has presented the awards as the ceremony marks her first year in the post.

She and other staff are hoping that next year they will be awarding university degrees and the Institute will win university status at the start of the new Millennium.

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