IT WAS the perfect day to start the rest of their lives.

Hundreds of students graduated from Sparsholt College yesterday (July 17) at a ceremony at Winchester Cathedral.

Proud parents came from all over the country with tears in their eyes as they celebrated their children’s achievements.

College principal Tim Jackson said: “The past academic year has been another highly successful one for the College. Many of our students are already in employment, often hundreds of miles from Winchester and many overseas.

“I thought it was worth starting by remarking that there are more than 30 of the courses today with 100 per cent pass rate which says a great deal about the combined effort of students and their tutors."

Students experienced a mix of emotions as their time at Sparsholt came to an end.

Billy Haddon, 24, an aquaculture student, of Guildford, said: “This is the end of an era for me. It’s the last time I will see some really good friends, but it’s a good feeling to have finished and I’m proud.”

Suzanne Harvey, 20, who graduated with a degree in equine studies, of Heathrow, added: “It’s really exiting yet relieving. I’ve only been here a year and it’s been very difficult work and I’m glad it’s over, but it’s still quite sad.”

The ceremonies were attended by guests of honour the Mayor and Mayoress of Winchester, Ernie and Barbara Jeffs, and the Mayor of Test Valley Janet Whiteley and her Consort Cllr Neville Whiteley.