"I am very excited to receive this award," said Robson, who won gold at Sydney 2000 in the T36 100 metres before claiming two silvers at Athens 2004 and two bronzes at Beijing 2008.

"I think I am the first in my family to receive a degree.

"It is such an honour."

Robertson was the first skipper in the history of disabled Sonar sailing to helm his crew to back-to-back IFDS world titles in 2005 and 2006.

"I've been fortunate to win quite a few awards and trophies in my life, but this award from the University of Sunderland is amazing," he said.

"It wouldn't mean half as much if it was from another university.

"Sunderland is my home town, and this means so much."

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