PIANO prince and local hero Jools Holland has been rewarded with an honorary doctorate in music.

The blues maestro was given the award at a ceremony at the Rococo Chapel of the Old Royal Naval College, in Greenwich.

Deptford-born Jools was handed his degree by University of Greenwich chancellor Lord Holme of Cheltenham.

Sporting full academic dress including the university bonnet, the presenter of BBC2's Later programme spoke of his happiness in receiving the doctorate.

After being handed his scroll, the 43-year-old said: "I've lived all my life in Greenwich and my family have been here for many generations, so I feel tremendously privileged to be invited to receive this honour today. It is wonderful these breathtaking buildings are now being used as a university. Anyone coming to study here is very fortunate.

"One of the people in my orchestra said to me: 'If you're going to be a Doctor of Music, does it mean if I go down with the Rocking pneumonia or a bout of Boogie Woogie flu, you're going to be able to prescribe a shot of Rhythm and Blues?'

"I told him I would have to check the small print but the answer would probably be yes."

October 25, 2001 17:32