A WINCHESTER academic has been awarded an honorary degree for his work forging links between global universities.

Professor Roger Richardson, former head of history at Winchester University, was made doctor of humanities by South Carolina's Lander University.

The English history expert is currently Winchester University's director of international relations and has set up a number of partnerships with institutions around the world including Lander. Seventy of the American state university's students have studied degrees in Winchester.

Prof Richardson, also a regular book reviewer and contributor to history journals, said: “It goes without saying that I was deeply touched by this award, which means a great deal to me.”

Dan Ball, president of Lander University, said Prof Richardson had been a “father figure” for the students who had taken part in the Winchester exchange.

Prof Richardson has written and edited 16 books including The Changing Face of English Local History.