TOP fashion designer Julien Macdonald (pictured) is among those receiving honorary degrees from the University of Wales, Newport, this week.

Merthyr-born Julien, winner of the 2001 British Designer of the Year award, has designed dresses for Kylie Minogue, Geri Halliwell and Joely Richardson, and is one of the biggest names in UK fashion.

He will be honoured with recently retired Coleg Gwent chief executive David Mason and Dr Amanda Kirby, of the Dyscovery Centre in Cardiff, which helps children with dyspraxia, to receive honorary degrees alongside thousands of students from Newport at this week's Awards Congregation.

The vice-chancellor, Professor James Lusty, said: "I am delighted to see so many students graduating this year; their success is something of which we should all be very proud."

Mr Macdonald will not be appearing this week to collect his fellowship as it falls just a week before London Fashion Week.

A spokeswoman said she hoped he would be able to visit the university at a later date.

But Professor Lusty added: "Julien Macdonald has made a major contribution to UK fashion, and it is with great pleasure that the university, which has its own strong research and teaching interest in fashion, awards him an honorary fellowship.

"The university is also delighted to award honorary fellowships to those individuals who have made a significant contribution to the economic, educational or social development of the area."

The awards ceremonies will take place over four days, from today to Saturday, September, 11, in the sports hall at the university's Caerleon campus.