Renowned dialect expert Charlie Haylock and a two-time former mayor of Ipswich are among those being awarded honorary doctorates by the University of Suffolk this year.
Also receiving the award are Rural Coffee Caravan chief executive Ann Osborn, nurse Cathy Ryan MBE and broadcaster Zeb Soanes.
Vice chancellor Professor Helen Langton MBE is looking forward to celebrating the honorary graduates' individual achievements at the university's graduation ceremonies in October.
She added: "They represent the diversity and spirit of Suffolk and will be excellent ambassadors for the university and the county."
Charlie Haylock
Renowned dialect coach Charlie Haylock helped actor Ralph Fiennes perfect the accent for his role as archaeologist Basil Brown for The Dig, a 2021 film about the Sutton Hoo discoveries.
Well-known for entertaining people with his take on the unique Suffolk dialect, his book 'Sloightly on th'Huh' became the best-selling book in the county in 2004.
Commenting on the university's recognition of his achievements, Mr Haylock said: "I feel very honoured to receive such an award.
"An Honorary Doctorate, I am overwhelmed.
He added: "I do what I do because I love doing it and obviously other people appreciate what I do too, otherwise I wouldn't be receiving this prestigious award.
"I feel very humble and, at the same time, very proud.
"It just leaves me to say: 'Thank yer koindly t'getha'."
Ann Osborn
Ann Osborn is the chief executive of the Rural Coffee Caravan, an initiative combatting loneliness by visiting remote parts of the county, while caring for her four children, father with dementia and her elderly mother-in-law.
She is accepting the award on behalf of the entire Rural Coffee Caravan team.
"I'm so proud of the work we've done together," said Ms Osborn.
"Also on behalf of anyone who achieves personal goals despite other people telling them they cannot be successful."
READ MORE: Suffolk's Coffee Caravan needs £80k to replace vital vans
Despite always wanting to become a teacher, Ms Osborn did not have the support required to sit her A Levels and so missed the chance to go to university.
Ms Osborn added: "It has always been a dream to graduate from university.
"To get this from the University of Suffolk, in the county I love, is just incredible."
Hamil Clarke MBE
Former two-time mayor of Ipswich Hamil Clarke was a borough councillor for 25 years and the founding member of the Ipswich Caribbean Association.
He also helped establish the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality and now acts as chair of the board of trustees.
Mr Clarke said: "I am pleased to accept this degree from the University of Suffolk, which fills me with great pride.
"My belief is, sharing knowledge and experience is important so that others can work towards a more just, equitable and prosperous Suffolk."
Zeb Soanes
Lowestoft-born broadcaster Zeb Soanes was the first voice to launch BBC Four, where he presented the BBC Proms.
Mr Soanes was voted by Sunday Times readers as their favourite male voice on UK radio and on television, where he announced some of the biggest events in recent years.
READ MORE: Popular radio presenter and author inspires pupils at former school
He currently presents Smooth Classics at Seven on Classic FM.
"Suffolk remains such a deep part of who I am," he said.
"To be honoured in this way by the University of Suffolk, means the world to me."
Cathy Ryan MBE
Cathy Ryan MBE's nursing career has run alongside her passion for charity work.
Supporting education for orphans in Africa, observing health care for Aboriginal communities and improving dementia care are just some of the challenges clost to her heart.
After qualifying at Ipswich Hospital in 1978, she juggles being a mother, carer and full-time nurse while undertaking research and study.
She was given the title of Queens Nurse in 2016 and awarded an MBE for services to nursing and fundraising in 2020.
Ms Ryan said: "To be given an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Suffolk, where it all started almost 50 years ago to the day, is just so fantastic."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here