STUDENTS were revved up and raring to go for this morning's graduation ceremonies at the University of Bolton.

Graduates from the schools of engineering, sport and biomedical sciences were welcomed on Thursday morning.

Among the hundreds of students enjoying the sunshine and ceremonies was Andrew Brigg.

The 46-year-old, from Astley Bridge, was celebrating gaining a First Class Honours in Civil Engineering, as well as receiving the Institution of Civil Engineers Prize.

Despite a long career in engineering, when his son Logan graduated in 2013 Andrew was inspired to go for his own degree while working part-time.

He said: "I've really enjoyed it and think I've probably got more out of it now than I would have when I was younger.

"I started doing it when Logan was a baby, but it was too time consuming so now I've got to finish it 22 years later I am very happy

"The time it's taken me to do this and the effort I put in, I would have been disappointed to have not have got a first!"

It was all about team spirit as groups of friends prepared to celebrate together and also say their goodbyes before setting out on their future careers or further education.

Lorna Walker, aged 22, from Tonge Moor, was picking up a 2.2 in Sports Rehabilitation.

"I am quite nervous today but excited," she said.

"It's not too bad for me though because I'm staying in Bolton and will keep in contact with all my friends."

Meanwhile mathematics graduate and mum-of-two Sarah Chisango, aged 43, was joined by her family and friends to celebrate the end of her course.

Originally from Zimbabwe, she moved to Rochdale for work but had a dream of improving her education.

She said: "I have a four-year-old but she was born with a complication. After she was born I decided to make the best use of my time and do something I always wanted to do, which is mathematics.

"It has been tough but I have managed and I'm really pleased to be here today. I have had a very good time and the university has been really supportive.

"I'm now thinking of going into teaching, maybe in Bolton."

To celebrate on the day there was a line-up of motor cars from companies the university has teamed up with to deliver hands-on engineering experience for the students in the race pit.

Ginetta Cars is one of those partners and owner Lawrence Tomlinson was gowned-up for the morning alongside the students to receive an honourary degree for outstanding contribution to motor engineering and to sport.

He said: "I'm really excited about today, it is nice to be associated with Bolton and see the Ginetta cars outside.

"What Bolton is trying to do and achieving is to become a centre of excellence for motorsports shows a huge amount of insight as it is attracting people to the town who are seeking to forge specialist careers.

"Motorsports is a really important part of the UK economy and this is part of helping to make the North a hot spot for it.

"It is important for businesses to have a workforce with the right experience in the future, and seeing the students here you can see Bolton being a big part of that."