Pair proud of their honorary status

Honorary graduates Ian Kershaw (left) and Cyril Brandford.

IT was a proud UCO Graduation Day ceremony for Sir Ian Kershaw and Cyril Brandford who have received honorary doctorates.

Oldhamer Sir Ian is a renowned historian and author regarded as one of the world’s leading experts on Hitler and the Third Reich.

Mr Brandford has been an Oldham College governor since 1993. He was chairman from 1993 until last year.

He was instrumental in the creation of what is now UCO.

He said: “We had high ambitions. UCO was set up to provide the opportunity for students who wouldn’t normally move away from the town to get a degree.

“I think it has been very successful in that. It would be very interesting to know how many students would have taken a degree if it hadn’t been here.”

He said he was “surprised and honoured” to receive the honorary doctorate and added: “It was a bit nerve-wracking, but a special day.”

Sir Ian (70) lives in Didsbury and retired as professor of modern history at Sheffield University in 2008.

He is currently writing a history of 20th century Europe and has been a consultant on a number of acclaimed television documentaries.

“To get an honorary doctorate in my own town is quite special for me,” he said.

“I think it is marvellous there is now the opportunity for young people to study for a degree in Oldham.”