THE achievements of hundreds of graduates have been recognised in a special ceremony.

Dave Gooderham

THE achievements of hundreds of graduates have been recognised in a special ceremony.

Students, young and old, were saluted during a graduation ceremony for University Campus Suffolk in Bury St Edmunds on Saturday.

In front of hundreds of guest and proud loved ones, a civic and academic procession from the offices of St Edmundsbury Borough Council was held before the event at St Edmundsbury Cathedral.

The university also handed out honorary degrees to a number of notable individuals including Lady Clare Euston who described the gesture as the “greatest honour in her life”.

She said: “Suffolk is such an extraordinary county and I have always wanted to devote myself to its communities. I have been so privileged and lucky to have met so many wonderful people during my work - Suffolk people simply won't accept second best.

“This honour was a complete surprise and a shock but I am delighted. I would also like to congratulate the students and I know everyone at West Suffolk College is so proud of them.”

A keen supporter and ambassador of the local community and its charities, The Countess of Euston is the current independent chair of the Suffolk Strategic Partnership Board, president of Age Concern Suffolk and a trustee of the Suffolk Community Foundation.

In addition, seven students were also singled out for special prizes in areas such as professional development, construction and building services and management studies.

Valerie McLernon, of Bury St Edmunds, was named the winner of the Jennifer J Black Cup awarded to the outstanding mature hospitality student.