"Miracle mile" runner Sir Roger Bannister has been awarded a combined honorary degree from four universities.

Sir Roger said he was "proud" to receive the accolade, which recognises his lifetime of service to worldwide sport.

The honorary doctorate has been presented by The University of Manchester, UMIST, the University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University.

Sir Roger was the first person in recorded history to run a mile in under four minutes. The same year he claimed gold at the 1954 Commonwealth Games in Vancouver.

It's like coming back home

Sir Roger Bannister

The former athlete was the first to carry the Games' baton for Manchester, when it left Buckingham Palace four months ago.

He received his degree at Manchester Town Hall on Monday.

Sir Roger, who is chairman of the Sports Council for Great Britain, said: "It's like coming back home. I feel very proud to be honoured.

"My most important race was in the Commonwealth Games in Vancouver and I have visited most of the Games since then.

"It always excites me."

Sir Roger is due to present a medal to the winner of the 1,500 metres on Wednesday.

British Games gold medallist Diane Modahl and West Indies cricketer Clive Lloyd were also among those honoured with combined degrees.