Distinguished journalist Simon Kelner today receives the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters (DLitt) in recognition of his services to journalism.

A former editor-in-chief of the Independent and the Independent on Sunday newspapers, Simon Kelner began his newspaper career at the Neath Guardian in the mid-1970s. Later, he worked as a sports reporter for the Kent Evening Post, moving to Fleet Street when he joined The Observer in 1983 as assistant sports editor.

He won many awards during his tenure at The Independent, including Editor of The Year in 2004 and 2010. His accolades followed the decision to re-launch The Independent in compact format, which both helped sales and acted as a catalyst for other broadsheet newspapers across the world to shrink their formats.

Mr Kelner stepped down as editor in chief of The Independent in 2011 after 13 years at the helm, and has just announced the formation of a new public relations agency – Seven Dials – based in London’s Covent Garden.

He is to serve as chief executive of the new venture.