USHER - USHER'S LONDON COLLEGE HONOUR

R+B star USHER has been chosen by a London college to launch a programme aimed at helping school failures achieve success in the music industry.

The BURN star will receive an honorary diploma at the British capital's NEWHAM COLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION on Thursday (08JUL04) to mark his involvement with a new music industry-related qualification on offer at the institution.

College principle MARTIN TOLHURST says, "What we are trying to do is reach those people who may have left school with few, if any, qualifications but who have a real desire to make something of themselves.

"Many young people are inspired by music and the entertainment industry and Usher makes a massive contribution to this."

On Thursday, Usher will also be available to answer any questions east London school pupils have about his career.