BASILDON’S Olympic star Max Whitlock MBE is set to receive an honorary doctorate.

The double Olympic gold medal winning gymnast and three time European and Commonwealth champion will receive the award of Honorary Doctor of Science in Cambridge next month.

Anglia Ruskin University will award Max the doctorate because of his work to raise the profile of gymnastics in the UK since his huge Olympic success.

The 24-year-old, who trains with the South Essex Gymnastics Club in Basildon, will be accompanied by four other recipients, including a lecturer, author and a financial expert.

Professor Iain Martin, the university’s vice chancellor, said: “We are extremely excited to be going into our annual graduation ceremonies – it is a tremendous pleasure for all at Anglia Ruskin University to see our students cross the stage and be rewarded for their hard work and success.”