HUNDREDS of graduates dressed in gowns and mortar boards were met with the applause of loved ones as they collected certificates promising them a bright future.

Families, friends and staff were joined by academic and civic dignitaries to celebrate as the class of 2018 marked the culmination of their studies at Darlington College.

One by one they collected their awards certificates from Darlington College principal Kate Roe and Teesside University pro-vice chancellor Professor Mark Simpson.

Professor Simpson said: “In the current climate we are all too aware of the sacrifices made by families to support students and the dedication and commitment of staff, without which these achievements would not have been possible.

“Students should be very proud, they have opened their minds to the opportunities that exist and are bringing new skills and expertise to our region. We are confident they will thrive and make the leaders of tomorrow.”

Darlington Mayor Councillor Veronica Copeland was guest of honour during the ceremony at the Mercure Darlington King's Hotel.

There she saw two students graduate who are looking forward to a future in their chosen careers.

Building studies graduate, Andrew Marley, has laid the foundations for his work in the industry though his Darlington College studies.

He is now being paid to to read a BSc in construction project management at Salford University by his employer Renaker, which specialises in high-rise luxury accommodation in Manchester.

“We are currently working on a 66-storey prestigious development believed to be the tallest outside London where the penthouse apartment is valued at £3.1m,” said Andrew, who got his first taste of the industry labouring for his father, contractor William Marley.

“Manchester is incredible; we counted 76 tower cranes in the city which is a sign of the level of investment and why its nickname is ‘Manchattan’.”

He completed his studies in the town alongside electrical and electronics graduate Mike Rumney, who celebrated his success by hopping on a tandem behind his tutor Steven Corner.

“I suppose you could say that is what I did when I enrolled at Darlington College after being made redundant from a council social care job – I jumped on my bike,” said the 45-year-old, of Darlington. “I retrained at Darlington College and now work there.”