Yorkshire Post editor Peter Charlton has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Sheffield Hallam University.

The doctorate was conferred on Peter, a former editor of the Sheffield Star, in recognition of his service to the city.

He was honoured as a man who “whether you are a business man or an ordinary citizen, makes you all feel part of Sheffield and proud of your community”.

Paying tribute to him at the ceremony, citation reader Dr David Mowthorpe said: “Peter’s goal has always been to help give the people a city to be proud of.

“Under his leadership, the Star was a paper that belonged to its readers because it responded to local social needs and issues.

“He got his teeth into social campaigns such as: nuisance neighbours; road improvements in black spots such as the Stocksbridge by-pass, and also addressed relatively small issues but ones which mattered greatly to the people affected.”

Receiving his award, Peter said: “I am delighted to receive this honour, which I see as recognising the role a newspaper plays in the community it serves.

“As editor of the Yorkshire Post and, before that The Star here in Sheffield, I am fortunate – and proud – to lead a team of talented journalists who understand the values of this city…and, indeed, this excellent university.

“I would like to thank them for the support they have given me in my time in Sheffield. Their hard work earns nothing but my total admiration and I feel that I am receiving this honour on behalf of all those who champion Sheffield’s cause within the media.

“As it continues with its work to emerge as a modern and dynamic city, Sheffield must never lose its compassionate nature.

“Likewise, our region’s newspapers are vital in being supportive of our communities and helping them attain their aspirations. To this end, we must be free to comment, constructively, without confrontation and back-door censorship.

“I feel that the honour of being here today shows that these values are respected and acknowledged at all levels of society.”

University Chancellor Professor the Lord Winston, and Vice Chancellor Diana Green, were among Sheffield Hallam University staff and governors and city partners offering their congratulations at the ceremony.

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