AN American singing sensation has picked an honourary degree from a Southampton University.

Ana Lynch, known by her stage name Ana Matronic and best known as being part of the rock group, Scissor Sisters has picked up her degree as Doctor of Arts from Solent University.

Ana is also supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and is the patron for local transgender charity Chrysalis and works with various organizations in the UK, Ireland, and the US in the eradication of AIDS.

Since her rise with the Scissor Sisters she has also collaborated with the likes of Elton John, Duran Duran and Mark Ronson.

Ana said: “I’m passionate about music and hope to empower anyone wishing to build a career in the industry. I hope that with my experience, I can provide sound advice and encouragement to everyone wishing to enter the music business, especially LGBTQ+ people, women, and members of the BAME community.”

Many other people have also picked up honourary degrees from the University this week including actress, Sarah Parish.

Sarah has worked in theatre, film and television for the past 25 years and has starred in programmes such a Broadchurch and Mistresses

As well as this, she also works on her charity called the Murray Parish Trust which she launched with her husband after their first daughter Ella-Jayne, who was born with Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome died.

The charity raises funds for paediatric facilities in Southampton and across all of Hampshire, The Isle of Wight, Dorset, West Sussex, Devon, Surrey, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and The Channel Islands.

Department (A&E) based in Southampton to cover the entire South of England and the Channel Islands.

After receiving her award, Sarah said: “This award is such an honour – Southampton has been my home for many years and being able to give back to the community, through supporting the university and raising vital funds for hospital services, is a true passion of mine.

“I hope that through my work I can encourage more students to take up a career in the dramatic arts as well as bring much needed hospital services to more people across the South of England.”

“My top tip for anyone looking to going into the acting industry – say yes to everything you’re offered. “