THE achievements of more than 120 students from the University Centre were celebrated at a ceremony at Parish Church.

The graduation ceremony was attended by St Helens South and Whiston MP Marie Rimmer and mayor and mayoress Cllr Joe and Sylvia Pearson.

Students who completed higher education qualifications including BA honours and foundation degrees, HNDs, HNCs and a wide variety of higher professional accredited qualifications were honoured.

Beforehand, students processed through the town centre led by the sounds of the Parr Band and Town Crier, bringing shoppers in the town centre to a standstill, applauding the graduates on their success.

A motivational keynote speech was given by the new chair of the St Helens College Corporation, Susan Jee.

She said: "On behalf of all the governors, it was wonderful to see so many of our students, of all ages, achieving so much, proving it is never too late to invest in your education and your future, but mostly, what a stunning event it was.

"It was fabulous to see such energy both in the college and in the ceremony itself. To witness shoppers in the town stopping in their tracks to applaud and congratulate or students was indeed a very proud moment.”

Anne Pryer, principal of St Helens College, said: "I am extremely proud of the achievements of all our students and would like to congratulate all those who have graduated with us this year.

"We have been delivering first class degrees and professional qualifications at University Centre St Helens for decades, endeavouring to provide students with an innovative learning environment and real opportunities on their doorstep.

I would like to wish all our students the very best of luck as they embark on the next stage of their journey."

The University Centre St Helens also welcomed students from Knowsley Community College’s higher education courses who also graduated at the ceremony.

To commemorate the ceremony, Liam Bluck, a graduate of in photography pictured the Beecham’s Clocktower, which was presented to all.

Liam said: “The Beecham Building is one of the most recognisable buildings in St Helens and it was an honour to capture.

"My photograph is intended to highlight the grandeur of the iconic building. The chime of the Clock Tower is iconic.

"For 111 years the clock has chimed every 15 minutes having been heard by the population of St Helens over several generations from the factory workers to local shoppers.

"It is significant to me as a student as it would always indicate how long had been spent locked away working in the dark room!”

Addresses were also made by St Helens Rotary Club president, Dr John Kerry who presented Andrew Shaw, who graduated from the Chartered Management Institute with the Rotary Club award, which recognises a student who demonstrated an ethos in overcoming adversity to obtain their qualifications in Higher Education and graduate.

He was awarded the Rotary Club bursary of £250.

See more about the University Centre on: uc.sthelens.ac.uk.