ONE of the world's busiest bookworm's is heading back to his Preston roots to collect a prestigious accolade from the city's university.

Ross Shimmon OBE, secretary general of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, based in The Hague, and one time librarian at the former Preston Polytechnic, is to be made an Honorary Fellow of the University of Central Lancashire.

He will receive his award along with famous figures like comedians Sir Norman Wisdom and Dora Bryan along with leading television and radio journalist Kate Adie best known for her broadcasts from war zones. Throughout his distinguished career Mr Shimmon has been a strong advocate of higher education working as services librarian and deputy librarian at the Preston Polytechnic for four years from 1975.

He has frequently appeared on television and radio on programmes such as Newsnight and the Today programme to talk about library and information issues.

Over the years Mr Shimmon has gained an international profile with Honorary Life membership of the Papua New Guinea Library Association, associate of the Australian Library and Information Association as well as an Honorary Fellow of the British Library Association.

A spokesman for the university said: "It is with great pride and pleasure that the university confers an Honorary Fellowship upon Ross Shimmon who is a role model for students and staff alike."

An Honorary Fellowship also goes to former Preston Polytechnic student Philip Robson, who is now managing director of the consultancy and design company NIS Invotec which supplies the manufacturing and nuclear industries and has a £22 million turnover.

Through his work Philip has helped create a stronger understanding of innovation in the UK, working first with Peter Lilley and later with Michael Heseltine, president of the Board of Trade.

Others dignitaries to receive the prestigious Honorary Fellowship -- given to people who university chiefs believe have excelled in their chosen field -- will be US Olympic athlete Marla Runyan, professional golfer Lee Westwood, former diplomat and chancellor of the university Sir Francis Kennedy and the Ambassador of China, His Excellency Ma Zhengang.

Honorary Fellows will join university dignitaries in a procession from the Guild Hall Preston and down Friargate after each ceremony taking place daily from Monday.