A reality television star who studied in Braintree has been awarded an honorary degree.

Jeremy Spake began his TV career in 1996, making regular appearances on the documentary series Airport, which filmed behind the scenes at Heathrow Airport, where he was ground services manager for Aeroflot Russian Airlines.

He has enduring links with Colchester Institute, having studied a City and Guilds travel and tourism course at Braintree College in the mid-1980s.

It later resulted in him receiving a special achievement award from Prince Philip, who is patron of the Guild.

Jeremy is still heavily involved with the Braintree college’s Skills to Succeed Programme, which is aimed at young students who are disengaged with education and works to inspire them into finding a career path that they are passionate about.

He has also worked for children’s charities including the NSPCC and When You Wish Upon a Star.

He was awarded an honorary degree by the college on Friday.