TWO actresses received honorary doctorates from the University of Winchester yesterday.

Miriam Margolyes and Celia Imrie were presented the prestigious awards at ceremonies at Winchester Cathedral from the faculty of Arts, along with several others including the novelist Patrick Gale and choreographer Zoie Golding.

Celia, an Olivier award-winning actress commonly known for her role as Philippa Moorcroft in Dinnerladies, said: “It means a hell of a lot because I never went to university, I never even did A-levels so I hope they've got the right person and they're not making a terrible mistake!

“It's a huge honour, I can't quite believe it but I'm thrilled. I looked up today that I'm related to a Bishop of Winchester from long ago and I feel quite at home.”

Ms Margolyes, a BAFTA-winning actress known to many for her portrayal of Edmund's strict orthodox aunt in Blackadder, now devotes a great amount of time to her patronage of the Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group for asylum seekers.

“They are the only means of support and I feel it's a wonderful charity,” she said.

“This is not the first degree but it's the first honorary degree and probably the only honorary degree I will get. My link with Winchester is my friend, Alan Knight, who was here when it was King Alfred's College.

“I'm humbled to be here but I'm absolutely terrified of making a speech! As an actress you're given a script!”