Superstar solo artist Ed Sheeran is to become an inspirational role model for University Campus Suffolk.

It comes as the institution announces it is to award an honorary doctorate to the globe-trotting musician from Framlingham.

Despite travelling the world to perform sell-out tours to millions of fans, 24-year-old Sheeran has always stayed loyal to his Suffolk roots.

Now UCS hopes he will promote the waterfront university beyond Suffolk and the UK as well as paying visits to its Ipswich headquarters to talk to students.

The former Thomas Mills High School pupil rose to prominence in 2011 with his debut album + , certified six-times platinum, and continued his success with second album x (multiply).

The doctorate from UCS is recognising Sheeran for his contribution to music.

After being told about the honour Sheeran said: “I’m really grateful to University Campus Suffolk and I’m honoured to receive this honorary degree.

“I’ve had an amazing year with my world tour and this makes it even better. Suffolk is very much where I call home and I’m always welcomed back and get so much support.

“Receiving this recognition is a real privilege. UCS is at an exciting point in its development and I look forward to building links with UCS and its students in the months and years to come.”

Aside from performing to sellout crowds in the UK, America, Australia and numerous other countries, Sheeran has been noted for his philanthropy in his home county.

All royalties from the sale of his signature guitars have been donated to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, while last year he also donated some of his old clothes to the charity to auction off as a fundraiser.

The St Elizabeth Hospice and Sue Ryder charity shops in Framlingham have also benefitted from being able to sell clothes donated by Sheeran.

Along with Sheeran’s doctorate, a number of other honorary awards will be presented to individuals later this year. They will be included among the graduation ceremonies held for UCS’s 1,800 students between September 26 and October 21. To see who else has received the accolade, click here