A Winchester archaeologist who shed much light on the city's hidden history is to be recognised by King Alfred's College.

Professor Martin Biddle will receive an honorary degree in the autumn.

Professor Biddle is probably known best for his Winchester excavations in the 1960s, which are listed as among the ten most important excavations to have been undertaken anywhere in the world in the past century.

The Times said: "The Winchester excavations trained an entire generation of archaeologists in the intricacies of urban investigation, and inspired similar projects across Britain and abroad."

The excavations began in 1961 on the edge of Cathedral Green and over the next ten years evidence of three Saxon churches was revealed.

The award ceremony will be held in Winchester Cathedral in October.