A jolly good Fellow; Boothy is honoured by uni as Hollywood star Stewart agrees: He's a legend!

Byline: EMMA DAVISON

HOLLYWOOD star Patrick Stewart is used to rubbing shoulders with some of the world's most famous people.

But yesterday he got the chance to take to the stage with one of his greatest idols - Huddersfield Town star Andy Booth.

The Star Trek legend even joked that he would be the one asking for the former striker's autograph when he presented him with an Honorary Fellowship from Huddersfield University.

And Andy said he was thrilled to receive his award from the massive Town fan.

"I'm so proud," he said. "It's such a special day to be getting an award for something I've loved doing for the last 20 years."

Andy is one of a number of top names from the fields of business, sport, the arts and academia being honoured during ceremonies at the university this week.

Mirfield-born actor Patrick was handing out the awards in his capacity as the university's Chancellor.

Addressing the crowd in St Paul's Hall, the X-Men star and massive Huddersfield Town fan described Andy as a "true legend".

He said: "In a time when club loyalty is somewhat rare, Andy Booth stands out as an exception for his dedication and loyalty.

"No-one has worn the blue and white colour with more pride.

"I stand here as an admiring fan. It is only with great restraint I refrain from asking for an autograph!" The awards ceremony audience heard how Andy fast became one of Huddersfield's most iconic sports players after signing up to play for Town as a schoolboy.

Mr Stewart talked through the player's career from his club debut to his final match this year when he scored his 150th goal for the Terriers, making him the third highest goal scorer in the history of town.

The 69-year-old star joked: "This is the very first time a university award has been given to somebody who has had a Subway sandwich named after him - an ambition I have yet to realise.

"Andy was once described as the second best striker on the planet and that galactic touch appealed to me!" Patrick burst into song, chanting the football legend's name before finishing telling Andy how honoured he was to present him with his award.

After the ceremony, Andy said he was thrilled.

"It's an unbelievable achievement and I would like to thank the university for giving me this,'' he said.

"It means a lot to receive this from Patrick who is a massive Town fan and has been supporting my career for the last 20 years.

"I've been very lucky to play up to the age of 35 and to get this is the icing on the cake for me."

A n d y added that he now hopes to forge strong links with the university in his role as the club's ambassador.

Mr Stewart - who is attending a Town game this weekend as Andy's guest - said it was his suggestion to honour the former player.

"I am absolutely delighted and proud to say it was my suggestion,'' he said.

"I have been interested in following his remarkable success with the club and actually saw him score his 150th goal.

"He is amagnificent player and the fact he is now an ambassador for football in the town is great for the community and future generations coming through."

Mr Stewart, also set to switch on the town's lights on Thursday this week, is such a big Town fan that while he was living in Los Angeles he helped create an internet group for overseas fans.

The star, who once played on a football team for the Royal Shakespeare Company, said he has been able to catch a few recent games and is impressed with the club's efforts this season.

He added: "It would make my year perfect to see them get a promotion!"

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CAPPED: Andy Booth with vice chancellor Bob Cryan (left) and Huddersfield University chancellor Patrick Stewart. Below: Andy in more familiar attire PC161109Fbooth-05.jpg