The hard work and achievements of more than 500 Norfolk students who have completed degrees and other Higher Education courses have been celebrated at Norwich Cathedral.

About 300 students attended two Norwich City College graduation ceremonies in person to receive their awards, which include honours degrees and foundation degrees (validated by the University of East Anglia), as well as BTEC Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), postgraduate teaching qualifications and other higher level awards from professional bodies.

With virtually all of the college's Higher Education students living and working in the county, the college graduation event on Saturday was a celebration of achievement by Norfolk students, many of whom have been supported in vocational Higher Education courses by local employers who recognise the importance of higher level skills.

Guests of honour at this year's graduation, who presented students with their awards, were Professor Nicola Spalding, Professor of Occupational Therapy, University of East Anglia, and D.J. (David) Taylor, novelist, biographer and critic.

Corrienne Peasgood, principal, said: 'Congratulations to the more than 500 Higher Education students whose hard work and achievements we have been celebrating in the wonderful surroundings of Norwich Cathedral.

'In our 125th anniversary year, we have been reminded that our college has long associations with Higher Education.

'We are proud that this has grown to become an established part of our work, supported by our partnership with UEA, our employer partners, and our expert lecturers.

'We wish all of our graduates every success as they move forward to the next stages of their lives equipped with the higher level skills to thrive in their chosen careers.'