Former UK Eurovision Song Contest winner Sandie Shaw is to receive an honorary degree from South Essex College.

The singer, who also had a string of top ten hits in the 60s will receive the honour in October of this year.

In a statement, Shaw said: "I am so honoured to receive an honorary doctorate from my home county of Essex. I love our aspirational spirit, and energy and our unique mix of posh and ordinary, urban and rural.

"There is nothing quite like being recognised and celebrated by your own people. My success belongs to all of us."

Shaw is best known for her Eurovision entry Puppet on a String in 1967 which went on to make her the first ever British act to win the competition.

Shaw has been quiet on the music scene since releasing her final studio album Hello Angel back in 1988 but has not fallen completely off the radar and has since set up her own fashion label as well as playing host to a number of television shows.