Singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Hawley will be awarded an honorary degree by Hallam University next month in recognition of his services to the arts and his home city.

With albums such as Coles Corner and Lady's Bridge, the 41-year-old has introduced his wistful images of Sheffield to an international audience, winning musical plaudits in the process.

He will receive his degree at the City Hall, sharing the stage during the winter graduation ceremonies with Sky TV's political editor; a human rights ambassador; a top chef, an explorer and the UK's most senior nurse.

A former student of Firth Park School, Richard Hawley was a member of Sheffield band The Longpigs in the 1990s and later played with Pulp, led by his friend Jarvis Cocker.

But it's his solo success, much of it reflecting his love of Sheffield, that has sealed his commercial and artistic reputation.

A Hallam spokesman said: "His music conveys the theme of his home city and the history, vision, sounds and ambience of Sheffield are strongly evoked in many tracks."

Richard Hawley is one of the 12 figures being recognised by Sheffield Hallam for their dedication to culture, science, education, business and journalism.

Other local recipients are Jonathan Crossley-Holland, former director of Sheffield's Education Services, businesswoman Emma Harrison and champion downhill mountain bike racer Steve Peat,

National figures to be honoured are journalist and Sky TV Political Editor Adam Boulton, the chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Trevor Phillips, Yorkshire chef Brian Turner, mountaineer Stephen Venables, the Government's Chief Nursing Officer Christine Beasley, industrialist Lord Broers, science educator Prof John Holman and lawyer Michael Jelly.

Sheffield Hallam University's Chancellor, Professor Lord Winston, will attend a number of the ceremonies, from November 10 to 21.