One of the visionaries behind the Rose Theatre has been given the first honorary fellowship at Kingston University for his commitment to drama education.

Retired academic Frank Whately created the university’s drama degree course which has taught many young actors ,including Disney’s Chronicles of Narnia star Ben Barnes.

He said: “A couple of months ago one Sunday evening, one of the professors, Ian Brown, sounded me out about becoming an Honorary Fellow and I was just totally taken aback.

“I’m very honoured and surprised because I always think it’s the university and the students who are the real stars of the show.”

His brother, actor Kevin Whately, known for playing Inspector Lewis from the TV show Inspector Morse, said: “I am often approached by young actors who have been taught or directed by Frank, singing his praises.

“It makes me very proud, so I am delighted that the university has also recognised his many fine achievements so far by honouring him with a Fellowship.”

Mr Whately launched an Arts for Kingston campaign in 1982 and lobbied successfully for a theatre, joining the trustees when the Rose launched.

He was able to direct The Ragged Child at the Rose Theatre, more than 20 years after he first performed it for the National Youth Music Theatre when it starred Jonny Lee Miller, who went on to star in Trainspotting.

He has now stood down as a trustee and has retired as head of the university’s school of performance and dance in 2009, but he continues to teach.