Kelly Holmes was being honoured by the University of Kent

The university said Dame Kelly, 35, from Hildenborough near Tonbridge, was one of Britain's most recognisable and admired athletes.

It said she was known for her committed approach as well as her medals.

Earlier on Wednesday, she was officially opening the university's new building on its Medway campus.

The bronze-clad building opened its doors to its first students this autumn.

After the opening, Dame Kelly was being given a tour of its new state-of-the-art facilities for students studying for sport, health and fitness degrees.