JOURNALIST Kevin Maguire has hit the headlines himself, after being honoured by one of the region’s universities.

Appropriately big Sunderland football fan Kevin Maguire returned to his native North-East to receive an honorary degree at the home of the Black Cats.

Having risen from humble roots in South Tyneside, he is now a well-known figure in national journalistic circles.

The associate editor of The Mirror newspaper was in the spotlight at Sunderland University’s degree ceremony, receiving an Honorary Doctor of Arts.

The South Shields-born political columnist and television pundit has already forged strong links with the university as a visiting professor of journalism.

Receiving his honorary degree at the stadium, he said: “It’s been an incredible honour to receive this accolade, and, what tops it off, is that it was given here at the home of Sunderland AFC.

“To get the chance to see the journalists of the future starting off on their careers has been a real privilege. I wish them all good luck.”