Comedian Jo Brand is to receive an honorary doctorate at Christ Church University in Canterbury today.

Before starting a career in stand-up, the award-winning comic worked in psychiatric nursing for 10 years and supports a scheme for nursing students.

She is being honoured for her use of the public stage to raise awareness of mental health issues and challenging stigma about mental illness.

Also being recognised and receiving an honorary fellowship will be former Kent Police Chief Constable Peter Hermitage.

He has has been a university governor for 13 years and served as pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing body for the last four years.