SULTRY singer and saxophonist Danielle Williams will meet one of her idols today after winning an award for her musical shows.

She is the first person to win Barnsley College’s Kate Rusby performance award.

She will meet the Cawthorne folk star this morning before picking up the award at the college's graduation ceremony this afternoon. Danielle, 20, said she can’t wait to meet former college student Kate and hopes she can emulate her success.

“I was completely surprised when I found out, I was never expecting it. I like Kate's music and think she is a very good artiste. I'm quite proud I am meeting her,” she said.

Danielle, of Upperwood Road, Darfield, is now studying at Leeds College of Music. She won the award for her performances, including one at the London Palladium in front of 3,000 people when she supported Joe Longthorne at his comeback performance.

“I was so nervous. I had been on stage in the day and thought, ‘this is not that big’. But at night it seemed huge,” said Danielle.

Top music producer Pete Waterman will also be handing out an award at today's ceremony and Danielle hopes to be cheeky and pass on her portfolio to him.

The University Centre Barnsley’s graduation ceremonies are also today and chancellor, actor Patrick Stewart, will present Monk Bretton cricketer Darren Gough with an honorary doctorate of civil law.

• Roads near the town hall will be closed as four graduation processions take place at 9.10am, 11.10am, 1.10pm and 3.10pm.