Sunday Times columnist Jeremy Clarkson’s big day ended in tears this morning after a protester hit him in the face with a custard pie at a degree ceremony.

The outspoken motoring writer of the year was at Oxford Brookes University to collect an honorary degree in recognition of his “passion for engineering”, highlighted by his championing Isambard Brunel in the Great Britons BBC television series.

But the decision has proved to be controversial, and protesters, including members of Oxford’s Green Party, assembled outside the presentation dressed in Clarkson’s trademark tight jeans and wigs.

Despite stringent security cordons and a massive police presence that outnumbered the handful of protesters waving banners that read On Yer Bike Clarkson at the gates, a woman managed to gain access to a media call after the degree ceremony.

She dashed out in front of the television cameras and, as Mr Clarkson posed in his cap and gown, removed what appeared to be a custard pie from a wrapped-up newspaper and hit him full in the face.

The startled presenter maintained his cool, quipped “good shot” and posed for a few more pictures before beating his retreat.

Mr Clarkson has been criticised for engaging in stunts such as driving a 4x4 through an environmentally-sensitive peat bog in Scotland and inciting people to break the law by hiding mobile phone use while driving.

Speaking shortly before the assault, he defended his record on environmental issues, saying: “I do have a disregard for the environment. I think the world can look after itself and we should enjoy it as best we can.”

But while protesters outside denied any involvement in the prank, they said Mr Clarkson was a “dangerous buffoon” who did not deserve any recognition.

Local councillor Elise Benjamin said: “We keep hearing about the damage caused by yob culture and yet he is a yob culture advocate.”

Protester Denise Lock said Mr Clarkson “makes a living out of offending people”.

“While other universities are rewarding the likes of Nelson Mandela, Brookes is rolling out the carpet for a dangerous buffoon.”

Nearly 3,000 people have signed an online petition against Clarkson receiving the honorary degree.