HUNDREDS of proud parents filled the pews at Winchester Cathedral to see the students of King Alfred's College finally graduate.

Mortarboards flew through the air outside as both young and old prepared to let their hair down after enjoying the full pomp and ceremony of their traditional graduation day.

After the service in which students were sent on their way by Southampton University deputy vice-chancellor Professor Peter Gregson, the cathedral grounds were full of smiles and celebrations.

Friends who had not seen each other since the end of term caught up and planned how best to mark the occasion.

Among those who knew how to party was 28-year-old Jenny Phillips, from Ibsley, near Ringwood.

Jenny, who graduated from a part-time business administration course, was due to follow up the formal ceremony with a more relaxed night out with friends.

She said: "It's been a great day so far and it will be even better when I've had a few beers. It's been such a relief to finish after two years."

Alongside the youngsters graduating were two distinguished guests picking up honours from the city college.

David Quayle, a former partner in DIY giant B&Q and co-founder of Eastleigh's Beatrice Royal Gallery, was awarded an honorary degree in business administration while the county's archivist Rosemary Dunhill was made an honorary fellow of the college.

Mr Quayle, 64, who lives in Winchester, said: "I am very honoured, although I was quite surprised when it was suggested."

Mrs Dunhill, who was behind the modernisation of the Hampshire Record Office, added: "I think it's absolutely thrilling. It seems like an enormous privilege."

Acting principal of the college Chris Turner was delighted to see the graduating students formally sent out into the world.

He said: "It is a time of great change in their lives - the end of something but the beginning of something new for them."