Ray Davies, the former lead singer and co-founder of legendary 1960s rock band The Kinks, is one of 15 people who have been honoured by Middlesex University.

The university presented an honorary doctorate to the singer and songwriter who formed the band with younger brother Dave from his parents' front room in Denmark Terrace, Fortis Green, and later penned classics such as Waterloo Sunset, You Really Got Me and Lola.

The frontman attended St James' Church of England Primary School, formerly in Fortis Green, and William Grimshaw School (now Fortismere School) in Creighton Avenue, Muswell Hill. He still has a record label and recording studio, Konk Studio, in Tottenham Lane, Crouch End, and also studied at Middlesex University's predecessor, Hornsey College of Art.

Possibly the college's best-known alumnus, he later immortalised the experience in his song Art School Babe ("Such an art school cad, I was really on a mission. I made my play for my art school babe").

Davies, who has been cited as a major influence on Britpop bands such as Blur and Oasis, described his time at the college as quite an interesting experience'.

All 15 recipients were honoured for their services to their own profession, to their community or directly to the university.

The university, which invites nominations each year from staff and other members of the Middlesex community, normally awards the degrees to distinguished people who have strong connections with the county.

Others honoured included Murray Walker, from Enfield, who was awarded his degree for services to the British advertising and motor racing industries; Sir Digby Jones, director general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), honoured for being chief executive of the UK's voice of business'; and secondary education specialist Sir Mike Tomlinson.