FORMER British Lions and Wales wing Gerald Davies (pictured) touched down in Caerleon yesterday - to collect an honorary fellowship from the University of Wales College, Newport.

Mr Davies, 58, who lives near Usk, said he was delighted to receive the award.

He said: "They have been very kind and gracious in offering me this fellowship. It has come out of the blue."

As one of the most thrilling attacking players ever to grace the rugby field, Mr Davies won a total of 46 caps for Wales in the golden era of the 1970s.

Since his retirement from the game he has made a successful career as a journalist with the BBC and The Times, and is chairman of the Wales Youth Agency.

This year he was awarded a CBE in the New Year's Honours List for his services to young people and to rugby in Wales.

"I look forward to representing the university," he said. "And I'm delighted to be honoured in this way in Newport, having lived here for 23 years."