A RECORD number of students received their qualifications at Swindon College's annual graduation ceremony.

A procession of students led by Swindon town crier Fred Ferris and mayor Arthur Archer made its way from the Regent Circus college site to the Wyvern Theatre.

College principal Mike Hopkins welcomed 185 of the college's 280 graduates as well as students from New College who were able to make it to the ceremony to collect their awards, a mix of HNDs, Degrees and HNCs.

The ceremony was the ninth to be hosted by the college which has seen 1500 graduate in that time.

Mr Hopkins said: "For many of you this represents a step along a continuing path to further qualification, learning and understanding. If this path continues to involve Swindon College, then we are proud to be able to serve you. If it does not, then all the very best for your future."

Mr Archer said: "I am pleased to have been invited and I think it is tremendous to see the number of students increasing year by year."

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