Barry Cryer awarded honorary degree

Veteran British comedy writer and performer Barry Cryer has received an honorary degree from Leeds Metropolitan University.

Born in Leeds, Cryer was educated at Leeds Grammar School and went on to study English at the University of Leeds. However, after his first year at the university he dropped out to pursue a career in comedy. He moved straight into a week's work at the famous Leeds City Varieties Music Hall where he worked on Good Old Days, the long-running light entertainment show for BBC television.

It was at these shows he was spotted by an agent and his career from there blossomed, and he went on to train at the Windmill Theatre school in London.

Cryer has worked in the genre of comedy ever since, and across his career he has written for comedians including Dave Allen, Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson, Dick Emery, Frankie Howerd, Spike Milligan, The Two Ronnies and Morecame & Wise. He also notably co-wrote, with Michael McIntyre's dad Ray Cameron, the BAFTA winning Kenny Everett TV shows.

Cryer's varied career has also featured Purple People Eater, a music single which went to the top of the charts in Finland; and he has performed a number of hit Edinburgh Fringe shows.

He is still a regular fixture on TV and radio, having recently starred in the GOLD series Jo Brand's Wall Of Comedy. He can can also be heard on Radio 4 as a regular on I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.

Speaking about receiving the award, Cryer said: "I've had a marvellous career people-wise and I've been dogged by good luck all my life. I'm grateful to be here. Coming back to Leeds is like a warm bath and today is a wonderful day. It means a hell of a lot to me to get an honorary degree. What's next for me now are gigs, jobs and live shows and I'll be in the Isle of Wight tomorrow for a live show."

Here's the video interview with the comedian:

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."

Cryer has written a number of books, including his best-selling sort-of autobiography, Pigs Can Fly.