Caps and gowns were donned on Saturday as this year's East Anglian Open University graduates proudly received their degrees.

Caps and gowns were donned on Saturday as this year's East Anglian Open University graduates proudly received their degrees.

The ceremony, at Ely Cathedral, marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication for some as they fulfilled ambitions of gaining qualifications in fields including science, business, humanities, technology and education.

Personal experiences bear testament to how their studies have enhanced their career opportunities leading to promotions, increased confidence in existing roles or, in some cases, a complete change of direction.

Two ceremonies took place at 2.30pm and 6.30pm with OU vice-chancellor, Prof Brenda Gourley, presiding.

Angela Schofield, OU regional director, said: “Every year we witness how education enriches the lives of thousands of our students. The Open University in the East of England will continue to help people from all sections of society to fulfil their dreams and ambitions, further their careers and get the most out of their studies. It is an honour to attend these ceremonies and to meet many of them.”

A total of 1,142 students from Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Essex graduated this year.

In addition, the OU awarded honorary degrees to Prof Celia Hoyles for her exceptional contribution to the educational or cultural well-being of society and Roger Mills for his services to the university and work in the areas of special educational concern.

The Ely ceremony is one of 20 taking place across the country between March and September.

The following people are among those from East Anglia who graduated this year:

Maggie Hall, 53, Bramfield, near Halesworth, BSc; Ava Howard, 51, Wilby, near Eye, MBA; Eunice O'Neill , 35, Eye, LLB (Hons); Adrian Coughlan, 43, Watton, BSc; Paula Murphy, 40, Hockwold, near Thetford, BSc; Owen Crossby, 31, RAF Coltishall, BA (Hons) Humanities; Mike Smith, 52, Norwich, LLB (Honours); Phyllis Mary Mason, 57, Stalham, BSc (Honours) Social Sciences; Paul Robinson, 42, Horstead, near Norwich, BSc (Hons); Janina Schiebler, 46, Hoveton, BSc (Hons) Psychology; Shirley Green, 43, Hemblington, near Norwich, BSc (Hons) Psychology; Dermot Cronin, 48, Loddon, MBA; Brian Davidson, 57, Stoke Holy Cross, BA (Hons) Business International Studies; Anna Pocock, 53, Chedgrave, near Lodddon; BSc (Hons) Psychology; M J Kingsland, 23, Long Stratton, BA (Hons) Humanities with Art History; Sandra Mahe, 37, Fritton, near Yarmouth, BSc (Hons) Molecular Science; Grace Brett, 68, Great Ellingham, near Attleborough, BA; Dawn Muir, 44, Old Buckenham, near Attleborough, BSc; Stella Martin, 45, Morley St Botolph, near Wymondham, BSc (Hons) Social Policy; Paul Hill, 60, Dereham, BA (Hons); Chris Weston, 43, Dereham, BSc; Linda Jayne Whiteley, 43, Scarning, near Dereham, BSc/BA (Hons) Science; Katia Whitehead, 39, Holt, BA (Hons) Language Studies; David Wooden, 48, North Walsham, BSc (Hons) IT and Computing; Linda Doncaster, 41, Martham, near Yarmouth, BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences; Barry Halksworth, 67, Yarmouth, BSc; Thomasine Scott-Greenard, 38, Ormesby St Margaret, near Yarmouth, BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences; Leigh Heyes, 32, Norwich, Dip HE (SW); Laura Burrell, 45, Yarmouth, BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences; Stephen Taylor, 50, Gorleston, BSc (Hons) Psychology; Cheryl Houchin, 53, Lowestoft, BSc; Sue Brown, 44, Kessingland, near Lowestoft, BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care; Lesley Beevor, 43, Beccles, BA (Hons); Natalie Miller, 43, Beccles, BA (Hons), Dick Wolsey, 47, Worlingham, near Beccles, BA; Susan Cadiou Chater, 48, Mettingham, near Bungay, BSc (Honours) Psychology; Louise Curtis, 43, Norwich, BSc (Hons) Psychology; Rachel Cook, 43, Long Sutton, near Wisbech, BA; Sarah Barrett, 46, Wisbech, Dip HE (SW); Margaret Cooper, 69, March, BSc (Hons) Human Geography; Les Oliver, 44, March, BA (Hons) Business Studies; Stephen Brettell,64, East Rudham, near Fakenham, BA; Jim Cunningham, 61, Harpley, Kings Lynn, BSc; Timothy Ewbank, 40, King's Lynn, MEng; Susan Hancock, 43, Swaffham, BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences; Chris Hale, 53, Downham Market, MAEd.