A TV presenter and furniture restorer best known for his appearance on BBC One's The Repair Shop is set to receive an Honorary Doctorate.

Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) has announced they will award Jay Blades MBE an honorary degree for his extraordinary service to the community as part of this year’s graduation ceremonies.

The University’s inaugural Chancellor, alumnus and award-winning broadcaster and social entrepreneur, Jay Blades MBE is set to receive an Honorary Doctorate on Friday, September 9.

The well-known furniture upcycler is being recognised for his community work supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged groups and his contribution to furniture-making and craft.

He will also be formally invested as inaugural Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University during the ceremony.

The University in High Wycombe has announced other honoraries set to receive doctorates on Friday.

They include Chair of the Royal College of Physicians, Professor David Croisdale-Appleby OBE (Honorary Doctorate), Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Countess Elizabeth Howe, Disability and charity ambassador, Phil Packer MBE, Former Pro Chancellor and Chair of the University Council, Dr Michael Hipkins, Businessman and philanthropist, Ricardo Tavio Gallo, Deputy Lieutenant for Buckinghamshire, Andrew Smith OBE.

Jay Blades MBE, Chancellor of BNU, said: “BNU is woven into my history and DNA and so being at the University always feels like coming home. To become the inaugural Chancellor for a University that’s shaped the person I am today, and on top of that to receive an honorary doctorate, is a real wow moment. I know that together BNU and I are going to achieve amazing things.”

Graduation Week is the highlight of the University’s academic year, where we proudly celebrate our students’ achievements in successfully completing their studies.

Vice-Chancellor of BNU, Professor Nick Braisby, said: “The University is enormously proud to recognise the hard work and success of our Class of 2022 graduates, in this year’s Graduation Week. They have overcome incredibly difficult challenges during the pandemic to reach this critical milestone and we wish them every success in their future careers.

“We are also delighted to bestow honorary doctorates on those who have given extraordinary service and dedication to our community – not least our inaugural Chancellor, Jay Blades MBE. Jay himself is a shining example of BNU’s ability to transform lives by encouraging all students to reach their full potential.

“I look forward keenly to working with all our honorary award holders in the years ahead as BNU continues to deliver the mission that has always been at the heart of our proud 130-year history, providing an education for all who can benefit.