“I had help from players, coaches and my family, you’ve had to work so hard as individuals to achieve your dreams and I hope you enjoy the day.

“What an honour it is to receive the scroll, I will look after it for the rest of my life.”

Stilgoe, who grew up in Liverpool, collected his fellowship for his career as a songwriter, lyricist, entertainer and broadcaster spanning four decades.

In his acceptance speech, a cheery and humorous Stilgoe praised Gerrard and said: “I’m honoured and it’s nice to be invited anywhere nowadays, now the Robin Cook look-alike work has dried up.”

Born in 1943 in Surrey, Stilgoe was educated at Liverpool College and later performed alongside the Beatles as lead singer in Tony Snow and the Blizzards.

He starred in That’s Life! with Esther Rantzen, has presented numerous radio programmes, appeared on Countdown and wrote the lyrics for Starlight Express and some for the Phantom of the Opera and Cats.

He said: “I was lucky growing up with rock ‘n’ roll and I played at the Cavern twice, they didn’t believe we could be as bad the second time – but we were.

“I remember spending Saturday morning at the docks watching the ships leaving and coming in, life on the horizon.

“Everyone in Liverpool has a horizon and plenty of choice which people inland never quite get.”

His advice to graduates was when given a choice, always take the more interesting choice to live a more fulfilling and interesting life.

SEE Steven Gerrard’s honorary degree presentation and speech at liverpooldailypost.co.uk

laurasharpe