Honorary degree for Lincolnshire's Oscar-winning actor Jim Broadbent

He told reporters: “It’s a great honour – I’m surprised to be here!”

“I never thought I’d get a degree and graduate so I’m thrilled to be here in the cathedral, which has been a big reference point in my whole life.”

And he had this advice for the drama students graduating.

“Try everything, spread your net wide and get as many experiences as possible. While you’re young is the time to do it so make the most of it!”

One of England’s most versatile character actors, Jim Broadbent was borj at Holton cum beckering near Market Rasen.

He is Honorary President of the Lindsey Rural Players, whose home is the Broadbent Theatre in Wickenby; his father Roy was involved in the conversion of the Methodist chapel to a theatre in 1971.

In 2002 he won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his portrayal of John Bayley in Iris and a Best Syupporting Actor BAFTA for his performance as Harold Zidler in Moulin Rouge.