THE latest batch of University of Bolton graduates made the procession through its new on-campus venue to celebrate achieving their degrees yesterday.

Family, friends, tutors and senior figures watched on as the proud students from the schools of education, psychology and arts took to the stage at The Sward in the morning and afternoon ceremonies.

Local celebrators included Daniel Edmondson, aged 23 from Tonge Moor, who was graduating with a certificate in education and 21-year-old Hollie Kay, from Harwood who was leaving with a First Class honours in psychology and counselling.

Daniel said: "It's been an all-round brilliant experience and I will be coming back to study for a Bachelors degree in education."

Hollie added: "I'm ecstatic today, really, really happy!

"There has been so much hard work, long days, but it has paid off massively."

Another student sporting the golden tassel, marking them out as First graduates, was 41-year-old psychology and health graduate Jesse Omoregie.

The dad-of-three from Middleton lived in Benin City, Nigeria, with his parents before moving to the UK in his 20s, and is now a youth work mentor and volunteer.

He said: "I have done a lot of work in different industries, but I just wanted to progress in life and in my career.

"I have always loved psychology, when I was eight my father gave me access to his library and I started studying psychology.

"People say to me I must be very intelligent but it's not about intelligence, it is about time management and the time you put into it.

"It has been difficult and hard work, I've had to manage my family, work and studies, but it has been worth it."

PhD student Owen Lowery, aged 47 from Wigan, was joined by his wife Jane to receive a PhD for studies in the poetry of World War Two.

Owen was the holder of the British Judo men's closed title until an accident in the ring at the age of 18 left him paralysed from the shoulders down.

Turning his attention to a love of poetry, he has previously studied for a Masters at Bolton and walks away with a Phd - his fourth degree - after six years of study.

"It has been a long time to look back over and we are celebrating today," he said.

"Everyone here has been excellent and have made it as easy and accessible for me. When you are disabled and go to university you do go through challenges, and I think that makes it daunting for a lot of people, but Bolton has been brilliant."

Alongside the graduates were those being awarded with honorary doctorates, including former governor of 15 years and Bolton chartered accountant Mark Sheen and a former MEd and PhD student of the Bolton Institute of Higher education, and now director general at the Ministry of Education in China, Dr Jin Yang.

Joining them in the line-up was Farnworth-born and Bolton bred musician Martin Taylor.

The 44-year-old classically trained pianist and vocalist is better known for playing the pubs and clubs of the town - even serenading university graduation ceremony VIPs earlier in the week - but was taking to a different kind of stage yesterday to receive a Master of Arts for an outstanding contribution to the university and public musical performance.

He said: "I'm absolutely overwhelmed. I've played at events here for many years and I'm no stranger to playing in the student bar either!

"It will be unusual for me to go on to the stage without the piano but it's an amazing honour.