John Cooper Clarke gets honorary University of Salford degree

John Cooper Clarke has this week received an honorary degree from the University of Salford.

The punk poet was recognised yesterday (July 18) as part of the university's 2013 ceremonies.

> John Cooper Clarke: six classic poems - video

"What a thrill - who'd have thought it? Now I'm a doctor, finally my dream of opening a cosmetic surgery business can become a reality!" quipped Clarke.

"There've been lots of positive changes in the city since I worked at Salford Tech in the '70s, and I'm pleased to be known as Salford's Bard and to have helped put it on the map."

'Punk Poet' John Cooper Clarke at The Lowry, Salford, where he received his doctorate of arts from the University of Salford

Clarke was recognised for a career spanning five decades, which has helped bring poetry to new audiences and has influenced artists including Arctic Monkeys, Jarvis Cocker, Steve Coogan and Bill Bailey.

Words by Clarke will feature on the song 'I Wanna Be Yours' from upcoming Arctic Monkeys album AM.

Clarke is best known for his Martin Hannett-produced albums Disguise in Love (1978), Snap, Crackle & Bop (1980) and Zip Style Method (1982).

He continues to perform live and his recent releases include this year's South of the Border: Live from London's South Bank DVD.

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