A philanthropist has been awarded an honorary degree in recognition of his charitable contribution of more than £35 million.

John Apthorp, who attended Aldenham School in Elstree and has lived in the same street in Radlett for more than 50 years, has been awarded an honorary doctor of arts by the University of Hertfordshire.

The John Apthorp Charitable Trust has made grants of more than £10 million to Barnet’s voluntary sector and community projects, along with having given a £15,000 grant to The Crescent charity in St Albans.

This year he was honoured with a CBE for his charitable services in Hertfordshire, adding to the OBE he had previously received for his charity work in Barnet. He has also been featured in the current Sunday Times’ Top 100 Giving List.

Entrepreneur Mr Apthorp found success in his family business Bejam, a frozen food retailer, which he sold in 1989 to its rival Iceland for £238 million.

Receiving his award, he said: “One of my few regrets in life is that I never went to university, which is why this award means so much to me.”

At the ceremony on Friday, November 2, held in the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Albans, he received his honorary degree alongside 5,500 new graduates.