THERE were tears of joy and rounds of applause as students celebrated their successes during a special graduation ceremony.

Graduates from Pershore College have been celebrating in a pair of graduation ceremonies at Warwick Castle, which carried a historical theme.

The college, under the Warwickshire College and University Centre (WCUC), saw 160 graduates, accompanied by their families and friends, mark their completion of their degrees.

Evesham Journal: Pershore College's class of 2023 - a picture from the second ceremony which took place.Pershore College's class of 2023 - a picture from the second ceremony which took place. (Image: Pershore College)The day saw students and knights on horseback take over the castle for the occasion.

Pershore College graduates came from various courses, including Counselling and Psychotherapy, Therapeutic Counselling, Agritech and Veterinary Nursing.

One of the many graduating was Sinead White from Evesham, who was awarded a CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.

Evesham Journal: Gareth Hathway, one of the students graduating on the day. Gareth Hathway, one of the students graduating on the day. (Image: Pershore College)The 32-year-old said: "It was exciting to graduate alongside my coursemates and feel very proud of myself and how I have grown throughout my studies.

"I enrolled on the counselling course because I wanted to learn more about myself and ended up falling in love with the counselling profession and its positive impact on myself and others.

Evesham Journal: Sinead White celebrating at the ceremony. Sinead White celebrating at the ceremony. (Image: Pershore College)"Coming from a non-academic background, I was initially nervous but have been so supported by my tutors, gained new skills and learnt so much about myself."

Graduates were gowned and had photos before walking to the historic St Mary's Church for the graduation ceremonies.

Both ceremonies opened with an address from Gill Clipson MBE, Chair of the Corporation Board for WCG, before Angela Joyce, CEO of WCG, addressed the graduates and their guests.

Evesham Journal: Aimie Mottet getting a hug from her course mate.Aimie Mottet getting a hug from her course mate. (Image: Pershore College)May Parsons, Associate Chief Nurse Director for Governance, Risk and Compliance at Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust, gave the keynote speech for the first ceremony.

The second ceremony saw Nik Spencer, an entrepreneur and founder of the HERU and former student at Moreton Morrell College, receive a Fellowship from WCUC.

Evesham Journal: Pershore College's class of 2023 - a picture from the first ceremony which took place.Pershore College's class of 2023 - a picture from the first ceremony which took place. (Image: Pershore College)WCG CEO Angela Joyce said: "Graduation is an end and a beginning.

"It is the celebration of the achievement of an ambition, but it's also the start of a new chapter for graduates as they head into new careers and directions which may not have been possible before starting their studies.

"St Mary's Church and Warwick Castle provided a magnificent backdrop for this very special occasion and it was the perfect opportunity to celebrate the hard work, dedication and commitment of our graduates.

"I would like to congratulate all of our graduates and wish them the very best for their future."