HUNDREDS of students and a couple of knights descended on Bolton for the first of three days of graduation ceremonies.

Graduates in creative technologies, business and law were the first to don their gowns and hats for yesterday’s ceremonies.

They were joined by former Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police Sir Peter Fahy and former High Court Judge Dame Janet Smith who were awarded an honorary doctorates of the university.

For the first time the graduation celebrations are being held on campus at a graduate pavilion at The Sward.

The university is expected to welcome 2,500 students and their families and friends for six different ceremonies over the course of three days.

Speaking at yesterday morning’s ceremony, Chancellor Professor Sir Ernest Ryder said: “We are in fact part of history today. This is the first time in 12 years of the university that the graduation has been held right in the heart of the campus.

“We are proud the university is being recognised for its accomplishments but everything that motivates it is pride in your success.”

Among the students making their way through the rain to the marquee were friends and fellow Bachelor of Design with Honours in Special Effects graduates Victoria Jones and Francesca Hatch. Francesca, 22, from West Sussex, said: “I loved my time at university. It’s been an absolutely great learning experience. The tutors have been great and it’s been a lot of fun.

“I’ve learnt a lot and feel prepared to take on the real world now!”

Bonnie Stanaway, aged 22 from the Lake District, who was graduating alongside her brother Ethan, aged 20, with a First in Special Effects and described the day as ‘brilliant’.

Her friend Jaymes Wheaton, aged 22 from Astley Bridge, who graduated with a degree in games and programming added: “I think I will stay on in Bolton, I’ve made a lot of good friends here.”

Also heading in flanked by his excited children was 50-year-old Mamadu Cande.

Originally from the West African country of Guinea Bissau, he has graduated with a foundation degree in Media Production.

“My wife and two children are here today and are really proud of me,” he said.

“It has been a brilliant time and I will be coming back in September to start my next degree.”

Among the crowds was 23-year-old Tom Pugh who attended the ceremony while already in full-time employment with Liverpool games company Atomicom.

Tom, who as part of the University of Bolton double award-winning team at Dare to be Digital 2015, took a day off to meet up with all his family who came from Somerset to see him graduate with a First in Games Design.

He said: “It took a lot of hard work but it paid off in the end.

“I’ve had a really good time and made a lot of friends here. I think I will miss it a lot.

“My plan is to stay in the north because it’s a good area for what I want to do and a lot of companies are based around here.”

Meanwhile business management graduate Merit Igwe, aged 21, came from Nigeria to get her 2.1 honours and plans to carry on her studies.

She said: “I want to study more and experience more so I can set up a business. I’ve met so many different people and made so many friends.”