Years of hard work paid off for graduates from the College of West Anglia when they collected their qualifications at their graduation ceremony.

Eastern Daily Press: Scenes from the 2015 College of West Anglia graduation ceremony, held at the King's Lynn Corn Exchange - Student of the Year Rachael Castleton Picture: Matthew Usher.Scenes from the 2015 College of West Anglia graduation ceremony, held at the King's Lynn Corn Exchange - Student of the Year Rachael Castleton Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2015)

It was an emotional ceremony for the 138 graduands, who collected their official certificates at the event held at the King's Lynn Corn Exchange.

College Principal David Pomfret said: 'Today is a day of celebration for you, our graduates.

'It is also a special day for those family members and friends that have been there for you throughout, offering support and maybe a shoulder to cry on.

'I'm sure there were times when some of you felt like giving up and it's at times like this that family and friends are crucial and they deserve thanks and recognition for the role they have played in your success.'

The ceremony's keynote speaker was Prof Michael Thorne, vice chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University, which works in partnership with the college to offer higher education courses in west Norfolk.

Qualifications awarded ranged from foundation degrees to bachelor degrees with honours. The titles varied between the arts, humanities and sciences.

The student of the year award was presented to Rachael Castleton, who had achieved a first class honours degree in history and english literature.

Rachael Castleton, from King's Lynn, won the University Centre West Anglia student of the year award.

During her course, she won prizes for her work on Shakespeare and for delivering outstanding coursework.