SWINDON College students donned their caps and gowns as they celebrated their graduation.

A procession of more than 100 students and college staff, led by Royal Wootton Bassett town crier Owen Collier, marched down Princes Street towards Holy Rood Church for the graduation ceremony on Friday.

Oxford Brookes University has run a successful partnership with Swindon College for 12 years. It allows students to pursue alternative ways to gain higher education qualifications.

It means students can study degree courses without having to travel far from home

The vice-chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, Alistair Fitt, delivered the opening address.

He said: “I am pleased to be part of the college’s graduation this year.

“After plenty of hard work, study and determination it will be a joy to watch the students celebrate what they have achieved with their families, friends and college staff.

“I am proud of our connections with colleges such as Swindon.

“It is very rewarding to work with institutions who are so committed to providing an excellent student experience and proactive in their efforts to expand routes into higher education, particularly for those who perhaps in different circumstances would never have thought about studying at that level.”

Craig Stoddard, from Nythe, was one of the gifted graduates celebrating their success

He received his Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering. The 23-year-old, who works at BMW, said he was delighted with his achievements.

“I started off doing an apprenticeship at BMW and they were the ones who put me through this. The teachers were good and they taught us really well. I’m so pleased with my HNC.”

Saira Ahmed, from Bristol, juggled her responsibilities as a carer for her sister with her study for a foundation degree in health and social care.

“I’m so happy at getting my degree finally,” she said. “I worked really hard to get here and it took me an extra year but I did it.

“I’m over the moon and it means I can start planning my career out.

“There are so many options with health and social care and I’m excited about the future.”

Saira’s friend and former course mate Tasha Selter from Park North was there to support her on the day.

“I’m so proud of her, she’s worked really hard for it,” Tasha said.

Bethany Muldowney, 20, from Nythe, is planning wig making career after she scooped a Higher National Diploma in Media Make-up.

“It’s good to be here,” she said.

“I feel relieved that I’ve passed. I loved the course and loved doing all the shows so I’ll miss them. I want to get into wig making because it’s so relaxing.”