SINGER Annie Lennox and Olympic cyclist Laura Trott were awarded honourary degrees at Essex University on Tuesday.

Acclaimed songwriter Annie was recognised for her human rights work and political activism.

She was presented with the honour by the University’s Chancellor Lord Phillips of Sudbury during a packed Graduation ceremony at the Ivor Crewe Lecture Hall on the university’s Colchester campus.

During the ceremony Annie was praised for her wide-ranging humanitarian projects, which have made vital, practical, life-saving differences especially in South Africa.

Her ‘SING’ campaign, which works with women and children with HIV, was also celebrated.

Laura Trott, who was born in Essex and won gold at last year’s Olympics, was also awarded for her achievements in European, World and Olympic cycling.