SUCCESSFUL University Centre Reaseheath graduates and their proud families gathered for a graduation ceremony at St Mary’s Church in Nantwich.

With their employers watching on, the graduates marked the completion of their degrees in adventure sports, agriculture, business, countryside, equine, food science and horticulture, to the applause of passers-by.

Describing the occasion as the ‘highlight of the academic year’, principal Meredydd David acknowledged Reaseheath’s partnership with relevant industries – which led to 91 per cent of last year’s graduates gaining related jobs within six months of completing their degree.

Ellie Harrison, presenter of BBC Countryfile, handed out the awards as guest of honour.

Louise Swindells, Robert Yardley, Alastair Bowles and Mark Panczak picked up special recognition awards.

They were joined by Jamie Stevenson, Chloe Lewis and Dave Cutler on the dean’s list for academic excellence.

Forty per cent of Reaseheath graduates achieved a high classification degree, and the graduation followed the college’s £80 million investment on specialist facilities for land-based industries, plus a further £28 million investment on new campus facilities.

Those who graduated at Nantwich, who included part-time mature students looking for career progression, had studied for degrees validated by Harper Adams University.

Reaseheath animal management undergraduates on University of Chester programmes will graduate at Chester Cathedral in November.