HTB Vicar Nicky Gumbel was awarded an honorary doctorate for ‘his contribution to church life’ in a ceremony attended by 2,000 people at the University of Gloucestershire earlier this month.

Wearing a colourful gown, hood and cap, he was presented with the award by the Chancellor of the University, Lord Carey of Clifton, who was formerly Archbishop of Canterbury.

The citation, which was presented by University Registrar Paul Van Rossum, spoke of how Nicky had pioneered Alpha and seen the course grow to 160 countries and ten million people. It said, ‘It is principally for his development and leadership of the Alpha course that we wish to honour Nicky Gumbel today.’

Nicky then replied with a short address. He said, ‘I feel enormously honoured to be here and to receive this award for doing something I love doing.

‘I was a vociferous atheist until the age of 18 when I had an encounter with the risen Jesus Christ which totally changed my life and ever since I have loved being able to tell people about God’s love for them and the meaning and purpose God wants us to enjoy in our lives.’

Also presented with awards were the Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt. Rev’d Michael Perham, scientist Professor Kathy Sykes and circus impresario Nell Gifford.