GROUND-BREAKING television scientist Lord Robert Winston will have another accolade under his belt when he is presented with an honorary degree at Southampton Institute.

The professor, known for his pioneering science programmes, will be given the title in recognition of his work in the field of technology.

He will join former students at Southampton Institute's graduation ceremony where he will officially be made a doctor of technology tomorrow.

More than 2,000 former students are graduating over four days at the event at Southamp-ton's Guildhall which started yesterday.

Lord Winston said: "I am absolutely delighted to be given this degree. These things always come as a bit of a surprise.

"I am very much looking forward to the ceremony tomorrow as it is always nice to receive an honorary degree.

"I think that those who receive such an honour should also give something back to the institution. I am looking forward to finding out what Southampton's needs are before performing these duties."

Lord Winston, a professor of fertility studies at Imperial College, London, is also a director of NHS research and development for Hammersmith Hospital NHS Trust.

The 64-year-old television personality, who regularly presents BBC science programmes such as The Human Body, Secret Life of Twins and Superhuman, has also been speaking out on education, science, medicine and the arts in the House of Lords since he was made a life peer in 1995.

The author of many books, including Infertility - A Sympathetic Approach, was also awarded the Royal Society's Michael Faraday Gold Medal for his publications, which made complex scientific issues accessible to the general public.

ALSO HONOURED:

Lord Winston is one of eight guests to be presented with an honorary degree or fellowship from Southampton Institute. The others are:

Bob Gaplin, an associate of the Institute for Independent Business International, who has received an honorary fellowship for his contribution to the software industry

Dame Helen Reeves, the chief executive of Victim Support, who has been made a director of laws

Gordon Denson, of the Immigration Appeals Tribunal, who has been made a master of laws for his contribution to the local population in legal matters

Dame Elizabeth Neville, Chief Constable of Wiltshire, who has been made a doctor of laws for her achievements in policing

Edward Dubois, of Dubois Naval Architects Ltd, who has received a doctor of design for influencing the design of, and setting new international standards for, large cruising sailing yachts

Clive Welsteed, director of Capus Service at the Institute, who has received an honorary fellowship for his loyal service to the Institute for more than 35 years

Dr Michael Anthony Higgins, former chief executive of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, who has been awarded a doctor of education for his work in developing higher education during the past 20 years.