This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-england-surrey-13530199

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
'Simples' meerkat advert maker gets honorary UCA degree 'Simples' meerkat advert maker gets honorary UCA degree
(about 17 hours later)
The animator of Aleksandr the meerkat, with his advert catchphrase "simples", is receiving an honorary degree.The animator of Aleksandr the meerkat, with his advert catchphrase "simples", is receiving an honorary degree.
Darren Walsh, originally from Frimley in Surrey, is being honoured by the University of the Creative Arts for his contribution to the creative arts.Darren Walsh, originally from Frimley in Surrey, is being honoured by the University of the Creative Arts for his contribution to the creative arts.
Mr Walsh graduated in animation in 1993 from the West Surrey College of Design in Farnham, which is now part of the University for the Creative Arts (UCA).Mr Walsh graduated in animation in 1993 from the West Surrey College of Design in Farnham, which is now part of the University for the Creative Arts (UCA).
Mr Walsh receives the degree at UCA Farnham's graduation ceremony.Mr Walsh receives the degree at UCA Farnham's graduation ceremony.
Professor Elaine Thomas, Vice-Chancellor at the university, said: "Darren continues to maintain excellent links with our animation course, including generously devoting time to our students."Professor Elaine Thomas, Vice-Chancellor at the university, said: "Darren continues to maintain excellent links with our animation course, including generously devoting time to our students."
After completing his animation degree, Mr Walsh worked at Aardman Animations in Bristol, the home of Morph and Wallace and Gromit.After completing his animation degree, Mr Walsh worked at Aardman Animations in Bristol, the home of Morph and Wallace and Gromit.
While he was there he created a comedy series called Angry Kid, which featured the misadventures of a teenage boy, based on a voice Mr Walsh does as an imitation of his older brother.While he was there he created a comedy series called Angry Kid, which featured the misadventures of a teenage boy, based on a voice Mr Walsh does as an imitation of his older brother.
After the 60-second episodes gained internet success they were later broadcast on BBC3.After the 60-second episodes gained internet success they were later broadcast on BBC3.
Since 2003, Mr Walsh has worked for London-based film production company, Passion Pictures, where he has directed award-winning campaigns for a number of well-known brands.Since 2003, Mr Walsh has worked for London-based film production company, Passion Pictures, where he has directed award-winning campaigns for a number of well-known brands.
On creating the meerkat character Aleksandr Orlov for the adverts for the insurance firm Compare the Market, Mr Walsh said: "It was a really daft idea and a lot of people didn't know what to do with it but I kind of did.On creating the meerkat character Aleksandr Orlov for the adverts for the insurance firm Compare the Market, Mr Walsh said: "It was a really daft idea and a lot of people didn't know what to do with it but I kind of did.
"The mad thing is it's not a very clear message but the idea of a Russian meerkat alone is enough to catch people's attention.""The mad thing is it's not a very clear message but the idea of a Russian meerkat alone is enough to catch people's attention."
UCA will award Mr Walsh the degree at Guildford Cathedral on 20 July. UCA will award the degree to Mr Walsh at Guildford Cathedral on 20 July.
Mr Walsh said: "My time at Farnham set me up with abilities and a work ethic that opened my eyes to a fascinating career in animation, an ever-changing medium that continues to excite me 20 years on.Mr Walsh said: "My time at Farnham set me up with abilities and a work ethic that opened my eyes to a fascinating career in animation, an ever-changing medium that continues to excite me 20 years on.
"It warms my heart to be asked back to accept this honour.""It warms my heart to be asked back to accept this honour."