Honorary degree for Derry's world-famous actress Roma Downey

The University of Ulster is to award an honorary degree to Derry actress Roma Downey, it was revealed today.

The local woman will receive the honour at a graduation ceremony later this year.

It’s not clear yet which of the university’s campuses the ceremony will be held.

Other hononary degrees are to be awarded to legendary jockey Tony McCoy and Ulster rugby player Tommy Bowe.

After moving to the US, Downey played kind-hearted angel Monica on the American TV series Touched by an Angel.

She received two Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her role on the show.

Downey and her husband Mark Burnett have produced a movie called Son of God, which will be released next month.

According to the Belfast Telegraph, in 2013 she had a net worth of £220 million, making her one of the richest people in the Republic and Northern Ireland.