The first Church of England female bishop has been awarded an honorary degree from the University of Bath.
Bishop of Stockport Rt Rev Libby Lane received an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws alongside fellow graduands from the faculty of science at the historic Bath Abbey, in the heart of the city.
Dr Gordon Taylor, from the University's department for health, delivered an oration for Bishop Libby, a "fervent supporter of Manchester United Football Club".
He explained: "By the time that she was studying theology at St Peter's College, Oxford, she was convinced she had a call to the priesthood, something which was still not legally possible at the time.
"Through her integrity, wisdom and faith, the Right Reverend Libby Lane provides an inspiring role, not only to our students graduating today but indeed to all of us."
Bishop Libby was ordained deacon in 1993 and as a priest in 1994. She served her curacy at St James's Church, Blackburn.
International women's day was marked with her being installed at Chester Cathedral on 8th March 2015, following her consecration at the Cathedral and Metropolitan Church of Saint Peter in York.
Speaking about her award Rt Rev Libby said: "I am honoured to accept this degree.
"It marks not only the place I hold as the Church of England's first woman Bishop and the sign of hope that may be for those who aspire to break new ground, but also the continuing fruitful dialogue between faith and learning and our shared endeavour to be beacons of possibility."
She has joined eleven other "outstanding individuals" in receiving honorary degrees from the University of Bath this summer.
