More than 200 West Suffolk College students celebrated the end of their degrees after an "extremely difficult" 18 months in a graduation ceremony in Bury St Edmunds.

The classes of 2020 and 2021 gathered in St Edmundsbury Cathedral on Saturday as they celebrated collecting their qualifications.

East Anglian Daily Times: Graduates parade after the ceremony at St Edmundsbury CathedralGraduates parade after the ceremony at St Edmundsbury Cathedral (Image: Archant 2021)

Two ceremonies were held at once as last year's cohort saw their graduation cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.

East Anglian Daily Times: Two ceremonies were held at once on Saturday after the class of 2020's graduation was axed due to CovidTwo ceremonies were held at once on Saturday after the class of 2020's graduation was axed due to Covid (Image: Archant 2021)

A total of 210 students graduated in a range of subjects and courses - with 100 achieving first class honours and 29 with distinctions in their foundation degrees.

East Anglian Daily Times: Graduates during the University of Suffolk at the West Suffolk College ceremony, taking place at the Bury St Edmunds Cathedral. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYGraduates during the University of Suffolk at the West Suffolk College ceremony, taking place at the Bury St Edmunds Cathedral. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2021)

The students' degrees have been accredited by the University of Suffolk.

East Anglian Daily Times: Liam Collis who achieved a first in business and management at the University of Suffolk at the West Suffolk College, with his mum, Hazel Dawkins, and his girlfriend, Emily CameronLiam Collis who achieved a first in business and management at the University of Suffolk at the West Suffolk College, with his mum, Hazel Dawkins, and his girlfriend, Emily Cameron (Image: Archant 2021)

During the ceremonies, the Very Reverend Joe Hawes, Dean of St Edmundsbury gave a welcoming address followed by speeches from Dr Nikos Savvas, chief executive of the Eastern Colleges Group, Tim Greenacre of the University of Suffolk and Dr Christopher Meredith, executive dean of university studies at West Suffolk College.

During the first ceremony, Rae Snape gave a speech to the class of 2020, acting in her role as an honorary fellow.

East Anglian Daily Times: Dr Nikos Savvas addresses the audience in Bury St EdmundsDr Nikos Savvas addresses the audience in Bury St Edmunds (Image: Eastern Colleges Group)

Professor Andy Neely OBE, the pro-vice-chancellor of enterprise and business relations at Cambridge University, congratulated the class of 2021 in the second ceremony.

Dr Savvas paid tribute to the students collecting their degrees for the "resilience" they had shown in their studies.

East Anglian Daily Times: Dominic Wightley was among the students celebrating the end of their degreeDominic Wightley was among the students celebrating the end of their degree (Image: Eastern Colleges Group)

He said: "I am incredibly impressed by our students' achievements.

"They have shown optimism, resilience and ambition - which not only paves the way for their future success, but will inspire future undergraduates as they continue their learning journey.

"Furthermore, to have over 200 people entering the workforce with the skills and attributes needed to succeed and excel in their chosen careers is fantastic news for the region.

East Anglian Daily Times: Dr Chris Meredith, Dr Andrew Neely, student of the year Dominic Wightley and Dr Nikos SavvasDr Chris Meredith, Dr Andrew Neely, student of the year Dominic Wightley and Dr Nikos Savvas (Image: Eastern Colleges Group)

"These people are not only enhancing their opportunities by embracing education, but they will also support local businesses and organisations."

Dr Chris Meredith, executive dean of university studies at West Suffolk College, added: "We know that our graduating classes of 2020 and 2021 have overcome extraordinary circumstances to be here today.

"More than ever, after an extremely difficult 18 months, this is now the time for all of us to celebrate and honour their accomplishments."