The UK’s former longest-serving regional daily editor has been honoured by a university in recognition of his work in journalism and business.

The University of Bradford has presented the honorary degree of Doctor of the University to Perry Austin-Clarke, who edited the Bradford Telegraph & Argus for 25 years.

It was announced last year that Perry, pictured, would be receiving the award but he has only now been able to accept it after the university held its first in-person summer graduation ceremonies since the coronavirus lockdown.

The T&A ran a number of campsigns during Perry’s tenure including the Save Our City Appeal to keep Bradford City in business in 2004, which reached its £250,000 target.

Perry told his old newspaper: “I’m really proud, honoured and grateful to the university for the recognition of my efforts for nearly 30 years in Bradford.”

Since his departure, Perry had launched and organised the Bradford Means Business Awards and the Bradford & District Schools Awards.

In 2020, he also organised the Yorkshire Asian Young Achievers Awards, recognising young people of South Asian heritage.