Laughter, tears and pride filled The Colosseum when more than 180 students graduated from West Herts College.

Those set to collect their certificate first went to the college's Hempstead Road campus to gown up, adjust their hair and make-up and have their official photographs taken, while their friends and family looked on.

They then made their way to The Colosseum for the official graduation ceremony, where each student took their turn to walk onto the stage and collect their certificate in subjects such as sport, performing arts, early years and care, management studies, advertising and marketing, computing and media.

Charlotte Rembalski, from Kings Langley, graduated with a 2:1 BA (hons) degree in Advertising and Marketing, and has already secured her first marketing role.

She said: “Working part-time, raising a child single-handedly and trying to complete a full-time degree was hard work, but I knew I had to do it to improve our living standards and education seemed to be the answer.

“My tutor was a fantastic support to me and I really don’t think I could have completed my degree to a better standard anywhere else.”

Collecting her Foundation Degree in Early Years certificate, Christina Olivant, from Abbots Langley, said: “I have met a group of fantastic people and have enjoyed working and learning with them. Late night study groups will never be the same again.”

After each student had collected their certificate at the ceremony on Saturday, November 15, West Herts College Principal and Chief Executive Elizabeth Rushton said: “To our graduates, I offer the heartiest of congratulations, well done. Today is your day and it is a day to remember. What you have achieved is something very special. You have proved you have the will to succeed and the talent to shine.

“I have been at the College for four years now and in that time I have seen it grow and develop as a learning community that works together, students and staff plus supporters from across the region. It’s a community of achievers with enormous potential.”

Special guests included Steven Culliford, Head of the School of Continuing Education and Partnership at the University of Hertfordshire, Watford Councillor Tony Poole and his wife Sylvia Poole, and Nicky Williams, headteacher of Francis Combe School, who gave the official graduation address.