HAIRY Biker Dave Myers had words of wisdom for graduates as he collected an honorary fellowship, telling them: “Just have a go”.

He recalled how he and sidekick Si King came up with the concept of their hit television show in a pub, saying he was honoured to receive the accolade.

The achievements of the cook, television presenter, author and former  Strictly Come Dancing favourite were recognised by the University of Cumbria in a ceremony at Carlisle Cathedral.

He was given the accolade alongside hundreds of students receiving their degrees and awards in education, arts and business.

Speaking before the ceremony today, Mr Myers said: “I feel a bit of a fraud really but it’s nice to be recognised. I do support Cumbria and I have tried to be a good representative of my county and my home.”

Mr Myers was born in Barrow, where he lives with his wife, Lili Orzac, who was at the ceremony.

He grew up in Barrow before moving to London to study a degree in fine art and a masters in art history at Goldsmiths College, University of London.

The celebrity said during his ceremony speech that he never actually went down to London to receive his degree but thought this made up for it.

With his good friend and motorcycling and cooking sidekick Si, Mr Myers has starred in several hit TV shows and written many popular cookery books.

When asked whether he had any advice for graduates, who might want to follow into his footsteps of TV and entertainment, he said: “I would say just do it because I think it’s an expanding industry, it’s an ever-changing industry.

“If you’ve got a good idea just have a go."