A NORTH-EAST university has handed over certificates to graduates with a difference.

None of the students awarded graduation certificates at the University of Sunderland is aged over four.

The university's vice-chancellor, Professor Peter Fidler, and pro-vice-chancellor, former Education Secretary Estelle Morris, handed out certificates to children from St Mary's Childcare, at their nursery yesterday.

The youngsters, the children of students and staff at the university, are graduating to pre-school from the award-winning nursery.

Nursery staff made their gowns, and the children created their own caps.

And although none of these graduates will enter high-flying jobs just yet, Prof Fidler, whose idea it was to hold the ceremonies, said: "It's a fun way of getting the youngsters ready for their big day in the years to some.

"At Sunderland, we pride ourselves on providing life-changing opportunities for all.

"The years these children have spent at St Mary's have given them a solid start to their educational lives and, hopefully, one day we'll be welcoming them back as undergraduate students."

For details of childcare provision at the university contact 0191-515-2286.