IT is a case of hats off to the students of the University of Bolton.

By the end of today, a staggering 3,134 of them will have graduated from the university this academic year.

Among those who graduated yesterday was Darren Armstrong, who is originally from Bolton but now lives in Radcliffe.

He leaves the university with a degree in sports development. The 33-year-old’s achievement marks a milestone in his life.

He left home the age of 15, and turned to a life of drugs and crime.

Mr Armstrong said: “ I never dreamed I would go to university. But I started going to church and then went to college. The university has been very supportive.”

Sam Coulson, aged 23, from Astley Bridge has graduated in sports rehabilitation.

She was close to dropping out of university altogether and gave up dreams of being a sportswoman after injuring her knee during a game of netball.

She said: “My knee had to be reconstructed and my confidence had fallen. I was at another university and left but thanks to the support I received here I have now graduated. It is so exciting and I am so proud.”

Miss Coulson is now working at Manchester United Football Club’s summer school.

Former amateur football correspondent for The Bolton News Peter Swain, aged 59, from Harwood, has been awarded a PhD for his research into the early years of football and the creation of professional clubs in the North West. He said: “I would encourage people to learn, whatever their age. Today is all about lifelong learning.”

University of Bolton’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr George Holmes, said: “It is a great honour to have the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, and the High Sheriff here to celebrate the great successes of Bolton.”