A STUDENT who tragically died when he was knocked off of his bicycle at a notorious junction was honoured during a graduation ceremony on Friday.

Ben Pedley, a chemistry student, died in March 2017 after he was in collision with a pedestrian in Church Road, Reading, near the Three Tuns crossroad.

An inquest into his death heard Mr Pedley, a talented musician, died as a result of severe injuries to his head.

And as a mark of respect, he was honoured with a posthumous award at University of Reading's summer graduation ceremony.

His mother, Jacquie Pedley, said: "There are few who can claim to have made a positive difference to this world in life or in death; Ben achieved both. His self-discipline, intellectual curiosity and scholarly attributes earned him great respect amongst staff, students and friends at the University.

“Ben’s thirst for knowledge, determination to achieve both academic and personal success and his consistent ability not to waste a single moment were but a few of his strengths. With the deepest of sadness we accept that Ben, whose unfaltering dedication to study is not with us today to collect his degree alongside his fellow students but we are immeasurably proud and honoured to accept on Ben’s behalf this posthumous award and offer our sincere gratitude to the university for their unwavering compassion and support.”

Mr Pedley's mother, father and brother collected the award on his behalf at a special ceremony in the university's Great Hall.

Sir David Bell, vice-chancellor, said: "The abiding impression of Ben was of a young man who had hit his stride here at Reading, both academically and socially, with a strong trajectory towards a great degree, a wide range of pursuits and a lively circle of friends.

"Dr John McKendrick [head of chemistry] described Ben as 'a young man who personified the best of what we wish to see in our graduates; a deep interest in their chosen subject, well read, a global outlook with a human perspective'.

“Ben was part of the University of Reading and will always be. His loss is felt keenly by staff and his fellow students in the chemistry department, and many of you here today will hold special memories of Ben.

"This sense of loss can be nothing compared to that felt by Ben’s closest family who we welcome today to collect his award.  We stand with them in honouring and remembering their wonderful son and brother, Ben.”