British actor Toby Jones, rapper and activist Akala, and former Dragon's Den member Sarah Willingham are among those set to receive honorary degrees from Oxford Brookes University next month.

They will be joined at the June graduation ceremonies by leading indigenous rights activist Marcus Colchester, author and historian Agnes Grunwald-Spier, Professor Bee Wee - national clinical director for End of Life Care for NHS England, and humanitarian Patricia Feeney.

The university announced it had selected 'inspirational' figures and called them 'exceptional role models'.

Mr Jones, who has starred in dozens of film, television and theatre productions, was in the Oscar-nominated adaptation of of John le Carre’s classic novel Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and more recently in the award-winning comedy The Detectorists.

Akala, meanwhile, has just released a new book called Natives: Race and class in the ruins of Empire, that asks difficult questions about modern Britain, and Ms Willingham is the founder of a multi-million pound restaurant empire.

Vice-chancellor Professor Alistair Fitt said: “It is an honour that such inspirational figures are joining us for some of the university’s most important and memorable celebrations.

“Each of our honorary degree recipients is an exceptional role model for our students and staff, and when graduating students hear an honorary graduate speak, they receive an important reminder of what can be achieved."