24 July 2012 Last updated at 13:10 ET

Harry Potter actor Matthew Lewis given degree in Leeds

Lewis played Neville Longbottom in all eight of the Harry Potter films

Harry Potter actor Matthew Lewis has been awarded an honorary degree at a ceremony at Leeds Metropolitan University.

The 23-year-old actor, who was born and raised in the city, received the honour for his contribution to the arts and his charity work.

Lewis portrayed Neville Longbottom in all eight of the Harry Potter films.

The actor said: "I still live in Leeds and to be acknowledged in this way is quite overwhelming."

Lewis beat 700 others to win the part of Neville Longbottom in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone at the age of 11.

In 2010, he helped launch a cancer screening suite at St James's Hospital in Leeds, and last year he joined the Leeds 10km walk for local charity, the Martin House Hospice.

He is also involved with a number of other charities in West Yorkshire.

Other people awarded honorary degrees by the university this week include England rugby union head coach Stuart Lancaster, fashion designer Wayne Hemingway, designer of the Olympic torch Edward Barber and chairman of Huddersfield Town, Dean Hoyle.