HIS lyrics have captivated thousands of theatre-goers across the world.

Now Richard Stilgoe's contribution to music - including such hits as Cats, Starlight Express and Phantom of the Opera - has been rewarded with an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters from Southampton University.

The father of five wrote the words to many of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most famous productions and together the pair was among the most successful in the history of musicals.

He said: "My son Joe worked really hard for four years at Southampton for his degree. I have had a really nice time for 40 years and I didn't have to take any exams.

"I am thrilled to be getting this."

At the height of his success he founded the Orpheus Trust which helps young adults with physical disabilities prepare for independent living through a residential programme including music, theatre and art.

In total seven men and women will receive honorary degrees.

They include author, science journalist and broadcaster Dr Simon Singh who wrote the first book about maths, on Fermat's Last Theorem, to become a number one bestseller

He has also worked on many science programmes including Tomorrow's World and Horizon as well as produced a history of cryptography called The Code Book.

"I have spent the last 15 years communicating science and maths to the general public, and I get lots of great feedback from readers, listeners and viewers," said Dr Singh who will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Science.

"But it is also wonderful to be appreciated by the professors who I write about, which is why this honorary degree is so important to me."

Sandy Lerner, chairman and Trustee of the Chawton House Library, has been awarded an honorary degree after restoring Jane Austen's house near Alton.

She was acknowledged for her outstanding contribution to literature.

Ms Lerner is also the president and trustee of the Leonard X Bosack and Bette M Kruger Charitable Foundation which funds animal welfare, scientific, technical and literary projects.

Guitarist John Williams who has played on films including The Deerhunter and A Fish Called Wanda and performed many times at the Turner Sims Concert Hall will be made a Doctor of Music.

Others receiving honorary degrees are Professor Alec Gambling, founding director of the Optoelectronics Research Centre at Southampton University; Professor Jintong Lin, president of Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications in China and Graham Spittle, director of IBM's Hursley Laboratory.

They will all attend ceremonies held from today until July 28 when a total of 4,045 students will graduate.