The journalist who launched specialist business website TheBusinessDesk.com has been given an honorary degree.

David Parkin, who started the site in 2007 after leaving the Yorkshire Post, has been awarded an honorary Master of Business Administration by Leeds Metropolitan University.

TheBusinessDesk.com launched in Yorkshire and has since expanded into the North West and West Midlands. It remains the only website dedicated to Yorkshire business news.

Speaking about receiving the award David said: “I feel very honoured and extremely flattered. It was a massive shock to be nominated for this award. When I got the letter I thought it was a hoax!

Giving advice to Leeds Met’s students and graduates striving for a career in the media, he said:  “I think journalism is one of the most exciting careers you can do.

“It’s really, really competitive but I do think that anyone who is determined, can get experience, make contacts and is really enthusiastic can be successful. If you believe in yourself, you can go out there and achieve it.”

Others receiving honorary degrees from Leeds Metropolitan included comedy writer and performer Barry Cryer OBE; Leeds businessman and charity activist, Edward Ziff and Olympic triathlon coach Malcolm Brown MBE.

Leeds Metropolitan University Vice Chancellor, Professor Susan Price, said: “We are delighted to recognise such a wide variety of individuals who have made a significant contribution to their field.

“This year’s awards are particularly varied, with inspiring people from a range of backgrounds including business, arts, law, sport and the entertainment industry. We are very much looking forward to welcoming them to our Headingley Campus to celebrate with us as we recognise the achievements of our staff and graduating students.”