LIVE Aid hero and former leader of The Boomtown Rats Bob Geldof is famous for not liking Mondays.

But last Thursday (19th July) seemed an excellent day when he was given an honorary degree for his music from outrageous fashion designer Zandra Rhodes on behalf of the University of Creative Arts.

However, not even the posh surroundings of Kings School Canterbury could stop the controversial rocker from swearing.

As he posed for photographs outside the school's Shirley Hall he relived the 1984 Live Aid day when he famously told viewers to "send in yer f****** money."

Talking about living at Davington Priory in Faversham, he quipped: "I've been there since 1983 where I'm just Bob Geldof. People come and ask, 'All right Bob?'

"They don't ask for autographs. In fact, I think they'd be disappointed if I gave one.

"They seem much happier to go away telling people I told them to f*** off."

He even had a go at one of the TV presenters who asked him: "So tell me Bob, do you still hate Mondays?"

He peered back then replied with a grin: "That must be the worst question I have ever heard. Do you not think anyone else has ever asked me that before?"

Apart from that, the ceremony went off well with Geldof, who had been playing with his band in Mexico the day before, arriving in a grey suit and open-necked shirt, although his trademark hair was as unruly as ever.

He said: "The great thing about this award is that it is about my music which, contrary to what many people may think, is what I am all about.

"If you cut the top of my head off and looked down through my brain you would see I am hundred per cent music."

Which is just as well because he is bringing out a new album in September, called 58½, which happens to be his age.

He was almost upstaged by Zandra Rhodes, a previous pupil at the university's Rochester campus, who was made chancellor in May.

Instead of turning up in a sedate black gown like everyone else, she sported a fetching pink number covered in gold braid and imported from Malaysia. It matched her pink hair and hat.

She said: "We have given Bob an honorary Master of Arts degree in recognition of his contribution to the creative arts and his work promoting humanitarian relief for the third world."

Bob added: "I live up the road, so to be recognised by a local university adds even greater significance for me. I wouldn't have accepted this award if it didn't mean anything to me."

Vice-chancellor Dianne Taylor said: "He is living proof that every person can make a difference.

"With his passion, creativity and values, Bob is also a great fit for the University for the Creative Arts."