The family of Eastern Bypass victim Howard Hillsdon attended a ceremony at Oxford Brookes University to collect his posthumous degree.

The presentation came on the day TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson, Mr Hillsdon's hero, was given an honorary degree -- and walked into an ambush by protesters who hurled a custard pie in his face.

Howard, 21, from Yarnton, died on May 28, together with three 13-year-old boys when a car crossed the grass central reservation and hit his vehicle.

He was studying automotive engineering at the university and yesterday his parents Julie and Graham, and sister Anna, were at the Headington Hill campus to collect his 2:2 degree.

Mr Hillsdon's sister Anna, 24, of The Garth, said: "I am very proud that Howard has achieved this but very sad that he was killed a week after his final exams so he never actually knew that he had got his degree.

"He lived every part of the student life to the full. He would have really enjoyed it today."

Mr Hillsdon, who works in the engineering department at Oxford University, added: "We were looking forward to this day and to seeing our son photographed in his mortar board -- we just wish he was here."

Top Gear presenter Mr Clarkson received an honorary degree for his passion for engineering.

As reported in the final edition of yesterday's Oxford Mail, Green Party campaigners protested against Mr Clarkson's award because they believe his views are a threat to the environment.

One protester, who has not been identified, threw a custard pie in Mr Clarkson's face, who said he said he was "thrilled and honoured" to receive the degree before being struck.

As he wiped away the remains of the pie, he said "Good shot!"

Before the pie-throwing incident, Mr Clarkson admitted he had a "blatant disregard for the environment" but said the Green Party had a right to protest.

Mr Hillsdon said it was ironic that the ceremony came on the same day as Mr Clarkson's.

"Howard thought Jeremy was a great guy because he promoted Great Britain and engineering," said Mr Hillsdon.

Mr Hillsdon revealed that following Howard's death, he and his wife Julie discovered a letter Howard had written to Mr Clarkson but never sent.

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