A PROCESSION of some of Oxford's most successful graduates was met with protests by campaigners seeking better pay for university staff.

The chief design officer at Apple Sir Jonathan Ive and the Right Hon the Lord Mance PC Justice of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom were among those who paraded through the city before picking up honorary degrees from Oxford University yesterday.

Protesters from the University and College Union (UCU) used the parade as a demonstration calling for better pay and also more equality between the genders.

Retired university lecturer turned campaigner Terry Hoad, who taught in the English faculty for more than 30 years, was pleased with the turn out.

The 69-year-old said: "We had a good number of people there and it's important that we do all we can to raise awareness and make the situation clear to the public.

"Since 2009 university staff are about 15 per cent down in terms of where wages should be and people can't work with diminishing incomes.

"Higher education is so important in society and it's becoming increasingly difficult for staff, particular in Oxford, to be able to bring up a family and pay off a mortgage."

The procession, which also included New York Times columnist Professor Paul Krugman and composer Arvo Part, led the graduates into an official ceremony at the Sheldonian Theatre.

Previous honorary degree recipients include Dame Hilary Mantel, Sir Tom Stoppard and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson.