SHARON Berry, founder and chief executive of Storybook Dads, the charity based in Dartmoor Prison that helps imprisoned parents keep in touch with their children, last week received an honorary award from the University of St Mark and St John.

The ceremony took place at Plymouth Guildhall where she received the master of education Honoris Causa, the highest level of award the university is authorised to bestow. The university wanted to recognise her professional and philanthropic work and believe she is 'an excellent role model, exemplifying the values and personal characteristics to which our students should aspire'.

Sharon, a previous university student, said: 'I'm so thrilled with this award. An award not only honours the recipient, but it also honours and raises the profile of the profession in which a person has excelled.

'I hope I can continue to be a worthy representative for prisoners, their families and the organisations that help them.'