There were hundreds of happy faces as university students from Suffolk graduated at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds at the weekend.

East Anglian Daily Times: Graduates hugging. Picture: KEITH MINDHAMGraduates hugging. Picture: KEITH MINDHAM

Proud friends and relatives applauded as 164 University of Suffolk students at West Suffolk College took to the stage to receive their degrees on Saturday.

Wearing gowns and mortar boards, 23 students were awarded first class honours degrees, and 22 gained foundation degrees with distinction.

East Anglian Daily Times: The procession entering St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Picture: KEITH MINDHAMThe procession entering St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Picture: KEITH MINDHAM

This year, 11 students were presented with special sponsored awards for their hard work.

Hundreds of guests, staff and sponsors shared in the celebrations, which began with a procession through the Abbey Gardens to the cathedral.

East Anglian Daily Times: Dr Frances ward. Picture: KEITH MINDHAMDr Frances ward. Picture: KEITH MINDHAM

Nikos Savvas, West Suffolk College principal, said in his closing speech: “It has been the University’s privilege to nurture your talent here in Suffolk, and we will watch with awe and pride as you, our graduates, transform East Anglia for the better; becoming innovators and entrepreneurs, contributing to your local economy and community, and carving yourselves successful and fulfilling careers.

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. You have graduated, you have made us all proud. The next step is up to you, and I know that each and every one of you will make a success of whatever you turn your hand to.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Nikos Savvas and Richard Lister at the ceremony. Picture: KEITH MINDHAMNikos Savvas and Richard Lister at the ceremony. Picture: KEITH MINDHAM

East Anglian Daily Times: Graduates with distinctions. Picture: KEITH MINDHAMGraduates with distinctions. Picture: KEITH MINDHAM

East Anglian Daily Times: Award winners. Picture: KEITH MINDHAMAward winners. Picture: KEITH MINDHAM

East Anglian Daily Times: All of the University of Suffolk graduates together. Picture: KEITH MINDHAMAll of the University of Suffolk graduates together. Picture: KEITH MINDHAM

East Anglian Daily Times: Graduates with Firsts. Picture: KEITH MINDHAMGraduates with Firsts. Picture: KEITH MINDHAM

East Anglian Daily Times: Graduates. Picture: KEITH MINDHAMGraduates. Picture: KEITH MINDHAM