Return of the native as Liverpool welcomes Cherie

Cherie Booth returned to her home town of Liverpool yesterday to receive an honorary fellowship from John Moore's University.

As she collected her award, Ms Booth said she was very proud to be honoured by an educational institution in the city where she grew up.

"It is a great honour to be recognised as a Liverpudlian. Even after 20 years in London, I remain one at heart," she said.

Ms Booth, 42, was joined by her parents as she posed for photographs on the steps of the city's Anglican Cathedral, before joining 500 university students graduating in law and social sciences. Her mother, Gale, said yesterday: "I am very proud of her. I think it is wonderful that she is here in Liverpool. That is where she was brought up."

John Moore's University annually awards Honorary Fellowships to people from the Merseyside area "in recognition of outstanding achievements and contribution to public life". Also receiving awards this week are the author Beryl Bainbridge, the broadcaster Peter Sissons, rugby league star Martin Offiah and the comedian Ken Dodd.

Ms Booth grew up in a terraced house in Ferndale Road, Waterloo, and attended nearby Seafield Convent School, before going on to obtain a First Class honours degree from the London School of Economics.

Now a Queen's Counsel, specialising in employment law, Ms Booth was clearly pleased to be among the new graduates, and told them: "It is a very special day for you because of all the hard work you have put in to be here."

Ms Booth, daughter of the comic actor Tony Booth, praised the spirit of the people of Liverpool, saying: "As the daughter of one famous Scouse git, I don't have to tell you of the humour of the Liverpool people. They are all so kind, generous and open with everyone." Her father said he hoped the success she had achieved in life would inspire all law students, not only from Mersyside, but throughout Britain.

The university's chancellor said he could not imagine a better role model for students. He said: "It is important for us to have such a successful QC originating from the city.

"Not only is she married to the Prime Minister, but she is a mother and does an excellent job in her own right."