PRAISE was flowing as higher education students attended Eastleigh College's graduation and awards ceremony.

Students were dressed in their graduation gowns and mortar boards and family and friends watched proudly as they were presented with their certificates and diplomas.

The college's chief executive, Tony Lau Walker, congratulated the students on their successes.

Guest speaker Professor Van Gore, vice-president of Southampton Institute, presented certificates for such courses as Higher National Certificate in Performing Arts, Higher National Diploma in Counselling, HNC Building Studies and HND Computing.

The professor also presented the Highest Achiever of the Year award to Gary Orchard, who had successfully completed the HNC in business and management. He also received the Student of the Year award - the Barclays Shield - presented by Eastleigh deputy mayor Councillor June Hughes.

The Student of the Year IBM Shield was presented to David Smith for his achievements on the HNC computing course.