THE University of Winchester has awarded its first professional doctorate.

Dr Peter Beadell, founder of Panjazz International, will receive the inaugural Professional Doctorate in Contribution to Public Work after demonstrating “significant innovation within his professional field”.

Panjazz International brings together musicians from Hampshire with others from the Western Cape and Grahamstown in South Africa, and Calcutta and Goa in India.

The aim is to use performance as a vehicle for supporting and creating communities, with a focus on opportunities for young people.

Dr Beadell will receive his professional doctorate at a graduation ceremony in October.