BROADCASTER Nicholas Owen and Norman Cook were honoured by the University of Brighton in a ceremony

Mr Owen, 68, received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters for his services to journalism and charity work at the Brighton Dome Concert Hall.

And Mr Cook, better known as DJ and music producer Fatboy Slim, received an Alumnus Award for his contribution to the music industry and support of the university.

In his acceptance speech Mr Owen said: “If you see a door a quarter open, always go through it. There is nothing worse than having regrets.”

He told The Argus: “I feel very privileged to have received this. I didn't go to university myself, so for a comprehensive school boy like me it is a wonderful thing to receive.”

His interest in journalism stems back to his childhood, when he would design his own newspapers and wanted to be a reporter.

He said: “It seemed such a glamorous job to me, and I loved the idea of working on Fleet Street. Now I've been a journalist for 51 years.”

Mr Owen is a patron of The Argus Appeal, and said he was “honoured and delighted” to be involved with the charity.

Mr Cook studied British Studies at Brighton University, which was then known as Brighton Polytechnic, and graduated in 1985.

Mr Cook said: “I am proud with a capital 'P' to be receiving this award. I moved to Brighton to study for a degree 33 years ago and the city has been my home ever since.”

He added: “my degree is what got me where I am today.”

“I have never actually used those letters after my name but the process of earning them got me where I am.“I am immensely proud of my degree, proud of this fine city and immensely proud to be stood here 30 years on, receiving this wonderful award.”

He added: “I have always had the utmost love and respect for my mum and dad for leaning on me because some very good things happened as a result. I ended up living in Brighton, a city which I very quickly grew to love.

Mr Cook, who lives in Hove, was congratulated by his wife, television and radio presenter Zoe Ball.

On Twitter she said: “FatboySlim receiving special honour from Brighton University today and making a speech. #proud.”

Dr Gary Brickley, Senior Lecturer in the university's School of Sport and Service Management, will also receive an Alumnus Award tomorrow in recognition of his outstanding paralympic coaching achievements and field expertise.