Sir Terry to get honorary degree

Sir Terry is to be replaced by Chris Evans on Radio 2's breakfast show

Sir Terry Wogan is to be awarded an honorary degree, the University of Leicester has announced.

Sir Terry, 71, who this week announced he would be stepping down as presenter of BBC Radio 2's breakfast show, will be made an honorary Doctor of Laws.

Leicester, which he dubbed "the lost city" in the 1980s because of its prominence in traffic bulletins, hosts the annual convention of his "Togs".

The broadcaster refers to his fans as Togs - or Terry's Old Geezers and Gals.

Last month, Sir Terry attended the 2009 convention - held at the University of Leicester - where he launched the BBC Children in Need Togs' Celebrity Calendar.

I am not being sycophantic, but the University of Leicester has a very good reputation

Sir Terry Wogan

Vice chancellor Professor Robert Burgess revealed at the convention that Sir Terry would be receiving the degree, but the news was only made public by the university on Thursday.

At the meeting, Prof Burgess said: "I would like to pay tribute to a man who has made an outstanding contribution to both charity work and British culture.

"In recognition of this, the University of Leicester has offered Sir Terry Wogan an honorary Doctor of Laws and we are delighted that he has accepted."

Sir Terry, also speaking at the meeting, said: "I would like to have been a student here - it looks like a really nice campus.

"I am not being sycophantic, but the University of Leicester has a very good reputation."

The veteran broadcaster is due to receive his degree next July.

Radio 2's drivetime host Chris Evans will take over the station's breakfast show after Sir Terry stands down at the end of the year.