THE men who founded one of Bristol's most successful businesses are set to be awarded honorary degrees by Bristol University.

Peter Hargreaves and Steve Lansdown will receive their honorary degrees from in a ceremony on Thursday.

The pair – who founded financial services firm Hargreaves Lansdown -will receive the honorary doctor of laws degrees in the ceremony at the historic Wills Memorial Building.

The firm has grown considerably since it was started more than 30 years ago.

Mr Lansdown also owns Bristol City, and as revealed in the Evening Post this week, Bristol Rugby Club.

Bristol University will be honouring five other past students from the worlds of business, film, theatre and education at ceremonies throughout the week. They include former company director Tim Stevenson, who was credited with bringing 20,000 jobs to Bristol and was also a member of the university's council and will be receiving a doctor of laws.

Professor Ray Priest, pictured left, former principal of the City Academy in Lawrence Hill and past Bristol University student, will receive a doctorate of laws at a ceremony on Thursday.

Dame Clare Tickell, a former Bristol University student and chief executive of the charity Action For Children, which supports neglected and vulnerable children, will also receive a doctorate of laws.

Theatre director Dr Julie Wright, who studied drama at the university and went on to start the Wapping Project exhibition and performance space in London, is due to become a doctor of letters. She will be joined by film director Michael Winterbottom, whose films include 24 Hour Party People and Wonderland.

Bristol University described the honorary degrees they will be handing out as "a major accolade awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement and distinction in a field or activity consonant with the university's mission".