GRADUATES celebrated outstanding success as proud tutors, families and friends looked on.

Bury College University Centre held its graduation ceremony at the Elizabethan Suite in Bury Town Hall.

Students received certificates in health care, sports science, beauty management, design media make-up, performance dance, certificate in education 14+, professional graduate in education 14+, professional development in teaching assistants and in early years.

The ceremony included a welcome speech from Charlie Deane, principal and chief executive of Bury College, a key note address from Dr Kondal Reddy Kandadi, assistant vice chancellor of academic operations at the University of Bolton and closing remarks from Sandra Morton, the deputy principal of Bury College.

One student who received her first class honours degree on the evening was professional development in teaching assistant graduate Lauren Livesey.

Speaking of her achievement, the now-trainee teacher said: “It’s been an amazing experience and I have worked so hard to get here.

“I’m excited to be starting my teacher training in primary education.”

Tim Robson, director of higher education and strategic partnerships at Bury College, said he was proud of all the students. He said: “A graduation ceremony is more than the ritual of wearing an academic gown and mortar board.

“It’s a celebration of the hard work, resilience and motivation.

“We wish all our graduates every success in their future personal, academic and professional endeavours.”