COUNTLESS late nights spent studying have paid off for more than 150 Swindon College students who proudly donned their caps and gowns to graduate today.

Led by local dignitaries the procession of 152 students along with their lecturers made their way along Princes Street to Holy Rood Church for the graduation ceremony.

A spokesman for the college said: “The graduation ceremony represents the culmination of years of hard work and is one of the high points in the calendar at Swindon College. We always try to make this day a memorable one.

“It is also an opportunity for students - along with their families, friends and college staff - to celebrate their achievements with all of the pomp and ceremony surrounding this special event.”

Among those students celebrating their academic success was photographer Laura Ward from Chippenham, who is aiming to turn what began as just a hobby into a full-time job, with aspirations to of her work gracing the pages of glossy magazines.

She said: “I started studying at university in Gloucester in September, so it is a bit strange being back, I haven’t seen people here in ages, but it is really nice to see them. I am very excited about graduating but also a little bit nervous to go up there and get my certificate.

“Photography just started as a hobby for me, but I decided I wanted to carry on doing what I love and I can’t wait for it to be my full time job.”

She is also preparing to cover her first wedding next year.

Also graduating with a sports therapy honours degree was Kieran Bolan-Pedley after three years of study at the college. He said: “It means a lot to be graduating today, I have wanted to work in sports ever since I was in school My GCSEs and A-Levels were all leading up to this.

“The course was a combination of sports and science, a lot of it was practical learning dealing with sports injuries.

“I am really proud to be graduating, it has been a lot of hard work.”

He is now preparing to start is own business offering sports therapy and is also preparing to complete his personal trainer qualifications as well.

Chloe Moon has spent the last two years at the college while working as a senior manager at a busy nursery in Old Town. She has now completed her early years foundation studies. She said: “I am really excited to be graduating, I just don’t want to fall over. It has been difficult balancing my time with college and work, and now university and work, but the course was really great.”

She is now completing a distance learning BA course with Doncaster University while continuing with her duties at Croft Play Group, and hopes to complete her early years teacher qualifications next year.