Biddy Baxter and Jeremy Vine awarded honorary degrees by Durham University

Biddy Baxter and Jeremy Vine awarded honorary degrees by Durham University. Two former Durham University students who went on to become prominent figures in the BBC will today (Wednesday, June 27) be presented with honorary degrees to mark their outstanding achievements. Biddy Baxter, the legendary former editor of children's television programme Blue Peter, and Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine will be honoured at a ceremony in Durham Cathedral. Biddy, a Social Studies graduate, who attended St Mary's College between 1952 and 1955, will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters. Jeremy, an English Language graduate, who attended Hatfield College between 1983 and 1986, will receive an honorary Doctor of Civil Law. Biddy joined the BBC in 1955 and, together with Edward Barnes and Rosemary Gill, helped turn Blue Peter into a national institution with far-reaching national and worldwide influence. During her time on the programme, The Blue Peter Appeals encouraged children to support good causes by collecting scrap materials rather than cash so that poorer viewers could take part.