ACTING star Patrick Stewart has presented his former teacher with an honorary degree.

Patrick presented an Honorary Doctor of Letters to Cecil Dormand, 83, who was his teacher at Mirfield Secondary Modern School.

Mr Dormand, who splits his time between homes in Scarborough and Devon, set Patrick on the road to stardom by encouraging him to act out Shakespeare's works in class.

Mr Dormand trained as a teacher at St John's College in York and after serving in the Royal Navy during World War Two he started teaching in Mirfield.

As well as helping Patrick in lessons, Mr Dormand introduced him to Mirfield Drama Club and in 1952, got him into a special West Riding of Yorkshire Council drama course at Calder High School.

Unbeknown to Patrick, he also helped pay for the course.

Patrick said: "It was only recently that I realised my parents could not have covered the expenses. I have only just understood where that money came from."

It was also Mr Dormand's advice that led a 15-year-old Patrick to quit his first job as a trainee journalist on the Dewsbury Reporter and become an actor.

Patrick said: "He was always encouraging.

"Throughout Kirklees, there are thousands of young people who benefitted from this man's dedication, warmth and inspirational teaching.

"It is rare that a 64-year-old man can stand in public with his teacher and say thank you for what you gave me."

Mr Dormand said he was thrilled to be receiving the award.

He said: "I feel privelged. This is a day I shall never forget."

He offered advice to graduates considering a teaching career, quoting the educational philosopher Whitehead.

At yesterday's ceremony, Patrick also gave an Honorary Doctor of Letters to Huddersfield-born theatre director Gregory Doran.

Mr Doran - brought up in Lancashire - got his first job directing A Midsummer Night's Dream in a New York community college.

Mr Doran, 46, then went on to join the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1987.

He became assistant director, then finally director in 1992. He has directed 18 productions for the RSC and last year won the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement.