STUDENTS at Bury College's University Centre donned their caps and gowns as they celebrated finishing their degrees.

95 graduates were honoured after completing a range of degrees in a ceremony held at The Met earlier this month.

They were joined by proud staff, tutors, families and friends as they celebrated their success and looked forward to the rest of their careers.

Prior to the ceremony, graduates and the platform party took part in a parade from the college's Enterprise Centre to The Met, led by a band performance from Mr. Wilson’s Second Liners.

During the ceremony, the first Bury College University Centre Honorary Award was presented to Sergeant Abed Hussain from Greater Manchester Police in celebration of his contribution to the town.

The Sergeant was recognised for actively working as a community champion and leading on initiatives to bring different faiths together.

Among those celebrating was 21-year-old Fiona Stanistreet, who graduated with a first class degree in Beauty Management.

She will now go on to study a teaching qualification at Bury College University Centre.

She said: “I am ecstatic to be graduating with a first class honours degree and I am so proud of myself for what I have achieved."

Another who achieved a first class degree was Michelle Zabel.

The 27-year-old completed a degree in professional development in early years top-up and now intends to work towards becoming an assessor.

She said: “I am very happy to be graduating and the support from my tutors enabled me to achieve the grade I did.

"The course was fantastic and it was great that we were able study around working fulltime.”