CAPTAIN Sir Tom Moore says he is delighted to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Bradford.

The Keighley-born World War Two veteran has been honoured by the university for services to the community and in recognition of being an outstanding role model to people in the Bradford district and around the UK.

The 100-year-old become a global superstar after raising almost £33 million for the NHS by completing 100 laps of his garden by his milestone birthday last April. He had originally set himself a modest £1,000 fundraising target.

Captain Sir Tom Moore, Doctor of the University, sent a message of hope to the university's students after his honorary award was announced.

He said: “I’m delighted to have been awarded an honorary degree of doctor of the University of Bradford.

"Thank you for your kind words referring to me as a great role model for Keighley and for the City of Bradford”

To all your students who are graduating and right at the beginning of their careers - remember to have hope in your hearts

"I understand times have been challenging recently but they have done so well and I am very excited for what lies ahead for them.

"As I always say ‘Tomorrow will be a good day’ and for them that will certainly be the case I’m sure.”

Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bradford Professor, said: “We are honoured to be able to confer this award on Capt Sir Tom, whose actions have been truly inspirational.

"His selfless work championing education and equality mirror our own core values and we’re proud to be associated with him and the legacy he and his family have now created.”

Captain Sir Tom is one of the university's winter 2020 Virtual Celebrations, where it will continue to award Honorary Degrees and Fellowships to more outstanding individuals, as it has done since 1966.

The awards honour outstanding individuals in recognition of their academic work and endeavour, their contribution to their chosen profession or field of activity, their contribution to the University, City or wider region, and their ability to act as a role model reflecting the University’s values.

Each week, in the lead up to the university's ceremonies, it will announce an Honorary Award recipient who has made a significant impact to society and who will inspire our graduates as they go on to work or further study.

The university of Bradford will hold virtual celebrations on December 16.

Bradford West MP Naz Shah praised Captain Sir Tom after his honorary degree was announced.

She tweeted: Huge Congratulations to Captain Sir Tom Moore on his Honorary Degree, awarded by the University of Bradford for services to the community.

"He is an outstanding role model to the people of Bradford. Well deserved."

Born and educated in Keighley, Captain Sir Tom attended Keighley Grammar School before training as a Civil Engineer and enlisting in the Army during World War Two. He led a distinguished military career, where he served in India and Myanmar (Burma), and then went on to teach in the military within his field of expertise, armoured warfare.

Captain Sir Tom joins previous honorary graduates from the University of Bradford including Professor John Wright, Eccleshill-born photographer Ian Beesley and Bradford City of Film chairman David Wilson.