A host of notable names from the worlds of politics, business, literature, media and technology are set to be awarded honorary degrees by the University of East Anglia (UEA) this summer.

In total 18 people will receive honorary degrees at UEA graduation ceremonies between July 16 and 20. These include Labour politician Charles Clarke, who was MP for Norwich South between 1997 and 2010, as well as presenter for the BBC science show Stargazing Live, Mark Thompson and Sky News' Chief Correspondent, Stuart Ramsey who has covered around 18 wars throughout his career.

They will join around 4,500 graduating students, speaking to them about their own careers and lives.

Thompson, who is also president of Norwich Astronomical Society and patron of the Norwich Science Festival, said: 'I am very proud and honoured to receive an honorary degree from the University of East Anglia.

'As someone who has lived in East Anglia all my life, it is so lovely that the local university feels it appropriate to award my work in science outreach and education.'

His advice to graduating students is to 'look our for opportunities to fulfil your dream!'

Honorary degrees are awarded annually to celebrate individuals who have made outstanding accomplishments or contributions to the community.

UEA Vice-Chancellor, Prof David Richardson, said: 'We take great pride in honouring those who make valuable and notable contributions to society alongside our newest cohort of graduating students and it's always a delight to hear the words of wisdom they can impart at our graduation ceremonies.'

Previous honorary graduates have included BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James, chairman of Norwich City, Ed Balls and Star Wars actor Hugh Quarshie.

Other recipients for 2018 include Lord Thomas Strathclyde, Jacyn Heavens, Prof Stephen Westaby, Naomi Alderman, Penny Johnson CBE, Prof Shiyi Chen, Dame Frances Ashcroft, Rowan Moore, Anthony Douglas CBE, Hilary Weaver, Maxine Saunders, Asoke Kumar Mukerji, Lord Deben, Christie Watson and Baroness Shephard.