Hard work ended in honours at the graduation ceremony for University Campus Suffolk (UCS) students who were based at Great Yarmouth College.

The prestigious ceremony, held at Yarmouth Minster, started with an academic procession which included the provost of UCS, representatives from the UEA, members of academic staff, mayor of Great Yarmouth Shirley Weymouth and senior officers from UCS.

Opening the celebration Tim Greenacre, deputy provost (resources), said: 'I wish you every success in work and in life.

'It may feel like the end of the journey, but your connection with us is for life.'

Of the students who celebrated, 77 were gaining degree level qualifications, with a further 21 given other awards.

Paul Robinson, 31, and Sarah Woodgate 45, were named as the joint higher education students of the year.

Mr Robinson, who studied visual media production, said: 'It's been lots of hard work and I'm proud to get the award and be noticed.'

'I'm quite shocked, but now I'm looking to start my own business, it's great,' said Mrs Woodgate, who graduated in photographic and digital media.

Inspiring speeches were given by both Henry Cator and Blair Ainslie, who were made an honorary fellow of UCS and an honorary fellow of Great Yarmouth College respectively.

Mr Cator, who is high steward of Great Yarmouth, said: 'This is a huge honour which you have all bestowed on me, it's hard to believe that life maps out the way it does.'

Mr Ainslie, CEO of Great Yarmouth business Seajacks UK, told those receiving awards that they are the kind of people who put the great in Great Yarmouth.

'I'm thrilled and flattered to be in the same room as your fine scholars,' he added.

The ceremony ended with the graduates and family heading outside into the sunshine for photographs, and canapes served by Great Yarmouth College catering students.

A four page pull-out complete with photos and full list of graduands will be included in the Great Yarmouth Mercury on Friday, October 16.