STUDENTS at two Hampshire colleges celebrated their academic achievements in style.

Hundreds of students from the class of 2017 at Sparsholt College and Andover College gathered at Winchester Cathedral, where they were handed their degrees at the annual graduation ceremony.

Families, friends and lecturers were on hand to mark to the occasion, which is the first ceremony under Sparsholt’s new designation as a university centre.

Principal Tim Jackson said: “The past academic year has been another highly successful one for the college. Over 2,000 qualifications have been awarded with around 700 of these being presented at today’s two ceremonies.

“I know a lot of our students progress to our university centre, recognising the quality of the offer and the extent of the industry contacts and career openings available.”

Guest speaker Roy Perry, leader of Hampshire County Council, called it an “important day” in the students’ lives.