A leading designer has pleaded for more arts and crafts teaching in UK schools.

Kaffe Fassett, internationally known for his knitwear designs and his passion for colour, was speaking after receiving an honorary doctorate of the University of Huddersfield.

The US-born designer, who has lived in the Uk since the 1960s, delivered a special lecture at the university in 2015, when his visit inspired projects by textile design students.

He also has links with Huddersfield Textile Society and works with Holmfirth-based Rowan Yarns.

The award was bestowed by university vice-chancellor Prof Bob Cryan and an oration was delivered by senior lecturer Nicola Redmore

Kaffe told how as a child he attended a small school in California where he was inspired by a local artist brought in to teach. He said he was sad that arts and crafts teaching was being reduced in the curriculum of UK schools.

“We need time to dream,” he said, “and there is a lot of wonderful dreaming in this country. Its artists and musicians have rocked the world! I hope that arts can make a comeback at school and make us come alive.”

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