More than 100 students have been praised for their "remarkable resilience" as they graduated from their university course at a college in Suffolk.

The prestigious St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds hosted the annual University Studies at West Suffolk College graduation ceremony on October 12.

The occasion saw 139 students graduate in a range of subjects and courses, 78 students have achieved their degree with 31 being awarded first-class honours and 61 receiving other qualifications.

University Studies at West Suffolk College procession through BuryUniversity Studies at West Suffolk College procession through Bury (Image: Eastern Education Group) Polly Davis graduated from a childcare degree from university Studies at West Suffolk CollegePolly Davis graduated from a childcare degree from university Studies at West Suffolk College (Image: Eastern Education Group)

Dr Nikos Savvas, CEO of Eastern Education Group Trust, said: "I am incredibly proud of each and every one of our students.

"I know that for many, the path to this moment has not been easy.

"They have faced challenges, setbacks, and perhaps even moments of doubt.

Ros Somerville with Dr Nikos Savvas DL at the annual University Studies at West Suffolk College graduation ceremonyRos Somerville with Dr Nikos Savvas DL at the annual University Studies at West Suffolk College graduation ceremony (Image: Eastern Education Group) Michelle Banfield-Curran and family at the University Studies at West Suffolk College graduation ceremonyMichelle Banfield-Curran and family at the University Studies at West Suffolk College graduation ceremony (Image: Eastern Education Group)

"Yet, they have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, pushing through every obstacle to arrive at this point.

"Seeing them grow into the graduates they are today gives all of us at Eastern Education Group an incredible sense of pride.

"They truly deserve the awards and accolades bestowed on them today."

Lizzie Foulkes at the University Studies at West Suffolk College graduation ceremonyLizzie Foulkes at the University Studies at West Suffolk College graduation ceremony (Image: Eastern Education Group) Justin Wickers with his graduation certificate - he got a job four days after completing his degreeJustin Wickers with his graduation certificate - he got a job four days after completing his degree (Image: Eastern Education Group)

Laraine Moody, Group Principal University and Professional Development at West Suffolk College, said: "It was a proud moment to watch the class of 2024 come up and receive their degrees in the historic walls of St Edmundsbury Cathedral.

"A huge well done to everyone."

Ros Somerville, the assistant director for inclusion at Suffolk County Council, was this year's honorary graduate.

Ros Somerville was an honorary graduate at the University Studies at West Suffolk College graduation ceremonyRos Somerville was an honorary graduate at the University Studies at West Suffolk College graduation ceremony (Image: Eastern Education Group) The Hard work has paid off for Aaliyah Vanhinsburgh who received her award from Professor Simon Lancaster from UEAThe Hard work has paid off for Aaliyah Vanhinsburgh who received her award from Professor Simon Lancaster from UEA (Image: Eastern Education Group)

She said: "I’m honoured and privileged to be recognised. I’m extremely grateful. For someone to recognise you in this way is amazing.

"I work hard to make things better in terms of special education needs and for all young people in Suffolk.

"There is much work to be done and we will keep doing it until it is better."

Samantha Gibbs, 21, won dissertation of the year. She said: "I was really happy to win this award. I put in lots of work and the experience at university has been good."

Richard Bridgman OBE from Warren Services was a guest speakerRichard Bridgman OBE from Warren Services was a guest speaker (Image: Eastern Education Group)