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He's achieved number ones with three different bands and secured a bumper Christmas pay day every year thanks to one of the most successful seasonal songs of all time.

But singer-songwriter Roy Wood says being given an honorary degree from the University of Derby is the greatest award he's ever received.

Roy in the seventies

Roy, whose bands include ELO, The Move and Wizzard, was made an Honorary Doctor of Music for his contribution to rock and pop.

He's perhaps best known for his Christmas hit 'I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday' but is also credited as playing a major role in the Glam Rock, Psychedelic and Prog Rock movements of the seventies.

Having lived in Derbyshire for more than 12 years, Roy said he was over the moon to be honoured by the university.

Speaking at the ceremony, he said: "I've been in the business for more years than I care to remember but I've never received an award that's meant more to me than this one does.

"I've got plenty of things I want to do in the future and this has helped spur me on to get on with making some more music."

Roy was one of eight honorary award winners being recognised by the University this year.

Others include Eurostar chief executive Richard Brown, architect Derek Latham and novelist Dr Graham Joyce.