WESTFIELD Sportscars boss Julian Turner has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Birmingham City University.

He joined Kingswinford based Westfield in 2006 as managing director and later became chief executive.

The company, which was formed in 1983, now produces 200 cars a year for driving enthusiasts across the world.

It joined forces with Birmingham City University in 2011 to help develop vehicles, technology and advanced materials - and together they created the world's first build at home electric race car kit - an all-electric sports car designed and engineered to support a growing demand for zero emission racing vehicles.

Julian said: "It's an honour to become an honourary doctorate. Westfield are working with students from the university on a daily basis and we can see their potential as soon as they get involved with projects."