THE creators of hugely successful fantasy series Game of Thrones are among 13 people to be awarded honorary degrees from Ulster University.
The award-winning series, adapted by David Benioff and Daniel B. Weiss from George R R Martin's series of fantasy novels, has helped showcase some of the north's most picturesque locations, including the Dark Hedges in Co Antrim and Castle Ward in Co Down.
The sixth series of the drama is to be broadcast from Monday.
The screenwriters join 11 other people honoured for their contribution to the north, including civil rights campaigner Ivan Cooper and Auxiliary Bishop of Down and Connor, Dr Anthony Farquhar.
Commissioner for Older People, Claire Keatinge; chief executive of WAVE Trauma Centre, Sandra Peake; Sister Mary Turley of the Flax Trust and environmental conservationist and maritime historian Robin Ruddock will also be honoured.
The other recipients include acting Chair of the Press Complaints Commission, Professor Robert Pinker; Supreme Court judge, Lady Brenda Hale; President of Philadelphia State University, Dr Stephen Spinelli; occupational therapist, Betty Hutchon and businessman Terry Cross.
All recipients will receive their degrees at the university's summer graduations, apart from Mr Benioff and Mr Weiss, who will be awarded their degrees at a ceremony in the autumn.
The university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paddy Nixon, said all those honoured are an example to students and graduates.
"From Daniel Weiss and David Benioff who have placed Northern Ireland’s creative industries capability on the global stage, to the pioneering efforts of Ulster alumna, Betty Hutchon, who has enhanced the lives of incalculable numbers of newborn and preterm infants, each of our honorary graduates has a special relevance and connection to the aspirations of today’s students," he said.
