LEAD singer of rock band Placebo Brian Molko, novelist Rose Tremain and the Big Issue's founder have all been honoured by Goldsmiths university.

Molko, a graduate of the New Cross university, has released six albums with his band, has worldwide record sales totalling 10m and has notched up hits with tunes like Nancy Boy and Every You, Every Me.

Receiving the honorary fellowship, he said: "I have very fond memories of my years spent there, which helped shape me into the artist that I am today.

"I am particularly grateful for the freedom to take risks which the staff encouraged and for the ambition they nurtured in us - no matter how brazen or off-the-wall it appeared."

John Bird, founder of the Big Issue magazine for homeless people, was also awarded along with Booker-nominated writer Rose Tremain.

Chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall and Goldsmiths graduate Moira Buffini, now a playwright and screenwriter, were also honoured.