DISABILITIES campaigner Philippa Russell is to receive an honorary degree from the University of York next week.

The ceremony, on Friday, July 12, recognises her work to improve the rights and conditions for disabled children and their families.

Ms Russell is director of the Council for Disabled Children and has played an active role in many areas of disabled children's lives, including social, educational and health policy.

She was nominated for the degree by the university's Social Policy Research Unit