A STUDENT from Bishop Middleham gained a top honour when she graduated from university this week.

Kerry Noades, 21, of Perm Terrace, gained a 2:1 BA degree in communication arts and drama from the College of Ripon and York St John.

A former pupil of Sedgefield Community College and Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, Darlington, Kerry was presented with her degree at Ripon Cathedral.

With parents Ed and Ellen and boyfriend, Jonathan Slee, in attendance, Kerry was also presented with the Ede and Ravenscroft Prize for communication art, in recognition of outstanding achievement during her course.

Jonathan said: "It was a fantastic day and we're all very proud of her."

Kerry will be going on to study at the University of Durham to do a post-graduate teaching course, and hopes to teach drama at GCSE and A level.