From butcher’s boy to leading retailer, a campaigner has been awarded an honorary degree.

Bill Grimsey, who grew up in Radlet and - apart from periods working abroad - has lived in the town all his life, has been awarded an honorary degree from the University of West England.

The former chief executive of Iceland and Wickes accepted the degree this week in recognition of his contribution to retail and his campaigning efforts to support the high street.

After a 45-year career, Mr Grimsey led several major retailers before becoming a passionate campaigner on the need to transform UK high streets.

Last year’s Grimsey Review was praised as a blueprint to help the high street adapt to changing consumer behaviour- with many recommendations being adopted by Government.

Speaking after receiving his honorary doctorate award, Mr Grimsey said he was extremely proud to be honored by the Bristol-based University.

He added: “I’ve worked very hard in retail and it’s been a lifelong passion of mine. It’s always nice to be recognized and it’s been my pleasure to give something back in recent years through my campaigning to offer solutions to the challenges our high streets face.

"The high street is a great British institution that we should be proud of and I think our government could and should be doing more to support it.”