TWO years' worth of celebrations took place in Salisbury last week, as former college students enjoyed an official graduation ceremony.

On Friday, November 5, former students of Wiltshire College and University Centre dressed up in robes and hats and took part in a parade across the city, before enjoying their graduation ceremony at Salisbury Cathedral.

The college had not held a graduation ceremony since October 2019, as last year's event fell victim to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This means students who finished university-level courses at the college in both summer 2020 and 2021 were honoured last week, across two services.

Those who spoke at the lectern during the festivities included Wiltshire College and University Centre's principal and CEO Iain Hatt, and guest speaker Michelle Donelan, minister of state for higher and further education.

Representatives from each of the awarding universities were also present to honour their respective graduates.

Describing the college as "incredibly proud" of its students and their "amazing commitment and dedication" throughout the pandemic, Iain said: "These qualifications are an important milestone for students in whatever their chosen career path may be.

"Students can feel justifiably proud of their achievements and the college looks forward to recognising these with you."

Before the ceremony, Iain added: “Having been unable to mark the achievements of our 2020 cohort last year, we felt it was only right to do so this year.

"We hope the graduation ceremonies will be a memorable occasion for all of the graduands, as well as their friends and families, and all the staff who have contributed to their success.”

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