MERSEYSIDE’S former top policeman, Bernard Hogan-Howe, is to receive an honorary fellowship for his “outstanding contributions in the field of law and order”.

The Daily Post can reveal Mr Hogan-Howe will be among those to receive honorary fellowships from Liverpool John Moores university.

The fellowships are given in recognition of “outstanding achievement” to those who exemplify the university’s ethos to “dream, plan and achieve”.

And Mr Hogan-Howe, who left the force last October to join Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, will be among those donning a special gown, hat and receiving a fellowship scroll and certificate as part of the university’s graduation ceremonies in the week beginning July 12.

During his five years at the top of the force, Mr Hogan-Howe received plaudits for his work cracking down on knife and gun crime on Merseyside and was at the helm during the successful prosecution of Rhys Jones’s killer, Sean Mercer.

Confirming he will be honoured, the university highlighted that during his tenure “he declared his intention to make the force the best in the UK.

“His approach led to the force reducing crime by 29% and anti-social behaviour by 25% – the highest drop in recorded crime anywhere in the UK”.

The university is giving a corporate award for Aintree Racecourse for “portraying a positive image of Merseyside” and its “vital role to the city of Liverpool in encouraging sustained investment in terms of both tourism and business”.

Culture supremo and chairman of LJMU’s international centre for digital content, Phil Redmond will become an Ambassador Fellow for his university contributions and commitment to Liverpool.

Others to become honorary fellows include Gerry and the Pacemakers frontman Gerry Marsden.

The You’ll Never Walk Alone singer is being honoured “for his outstanding contribution to the performing arts”.