A NORTH-EAST college held its first graduation ceremony for newly-qualified veterinary nurses

Four students passed their qualifications through East Durham College’s land-based Houghall Campus, on the outskirts of Durham City.

Rebecca Rickaby, 22, of Stanley, Sandra Ford, 37, of Darlington, Annabel Kerr, 20, of Stockton and Stephanie Bennett, 21, of Consett all studied on the Level 3 Veterinary Nursing diploma at the campus between 2011 and 2015.

The students were joined by staff and peers from courses at the Houghall campus, as they were presented with their certificates by The World of James Heriot’s managing director Ian Ashton.

Kayleigh Watson, course manager and lecturer in veterinary nursing at East Durham College, praised the students for their hard work and commitment over the time on the course.

Miss Watson said: “This is a very important qualification which was introduced to the college’s curriculum offer four years ago and it now sees our first ever set of students become fully-qualified veterinary nurses.

“The students worked extremely hard to come through the rigorous examination procedure to become qualified vet nurses, travelling all around the country to take exams during in the process.

“I am extremely proud to stand here today and see this fantastic group of girls receive their certificates of qualification, I am sure they will go on to have great careers.”

For information in animal care and veterinary nursing courses at the college contact 0191-375 4710.