Former two-time world champion boxer Amir Khan was awarded with an honorary degree from the University of Bolton on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old was handed the doctorate at a ceremony this afternoon for his contribution to sport and charity.

"I have always wanted a degree and now I can put Doctor in front of my name," The Bolton News quotes Khan as saying. "It is an honour you can put it up there with one of the best awards I have ever got.

"I want it to inspire children to get involved in education. I know a lot of kids who don't always push themselves in education. I believe education is one of the reasons I got so far."

Former England and Lancashire cricketer Sajid Mahmood, who is Khan's cousin, was also honoured at the ceremony.