Nearly 300 graduates gathered at Wells Cathedral on Friday to celebrate completing their qualifications. Families, friends and lecturers joined University Centre Somerset students for two ceremonies recognising their work.

The morning ceremony brought together graduates from nursing, counselling, adult care and sport courses. The afternoon covered subjects including engineering, agriculture, computing, teaching and makeup artistry.

Among those receiving individual honours was Orlagh Cronin, named Student of the Year after completing a BA honours degree in Makeup Artistry, Prosthetic FX and Wig Making. Melissa Gigg, who completed a Nursing Associate foundation degree, received the Principal's Prize.

Graduates Sarah Thomas and Edison Berridge delivered the student votes of thanks at the morning and afternoon ceremonies respectively. Mayor of Wells Denise Denis attended alongside Somerset's High Sheriff Peter Dixon and Deputy Lieutenant Nigel Beacom.

Representatives from the University of Plymouth, Oxford Brookes University, UWE Bristol and The Open University also attended. The institutions work with UCS to deliver university-level qualifications in Somerset.

UCS College Group chief executive Andy Berry said the graduates would contribute to the county's communities and economy. He praised their achievements across professions including nursing, engineering, teaching and design.

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