Hollywood film star Michael Douglas is to receive an honorary degree from St Andrews University. The Oscar-winning American actor will receive a doctor of laws for his contribution to British film.

Douglas, 61, and his wife, Welsh actor Catherine Zeta-Jones, are apparently regular visitors to the seaside town and are often spotted playing golf on its famous Old Course.

Brian Lang, the university's principal and vice-chancellor, said: "We are honouring Michael Douglas in recognition of his outstanding contribution to British film.

"A major figure in contemporary cinema, he is a major film producer, movie actor and frequent visitor to St Andrews."

Born in New Jersey, Douglas is the son of Hollywood actor Kirk Douglas and Diana Dill.

He starred in Fatal Attraction and Basic Instinct and won a best actor Oscar for his portrayal of ruthless stockbroker Gordon Gekko in the 1987 film Wall Street.

Douglas now runs his own production company and is currently promoting his latest film, The Sentinel, in which he plays a veteran secret service agent implicated in a plot to kill the president.

He will receive his degree at a graduation ceremony at St Andrews, Scotland's oldest university, in June.

Famous names already honoured by the institution include musician Bob Dylan, former footballer Denis Law and golfer Nick Faldo.

Charlie Sifford, one of the pioneers of African-American golf, and television newsreader Anna Ford will also receive honorary degrees from the university this year.