IT was the day they had all been waiting for.

More than 2,000 students breathed a sigh of relief as they graduated from Winchester University over the course of this week.

The annual celebrations began with a procession from Abbey House to Winchester Cathedral on Tuesday, with civic dignitaries from across Hampshire joining senior staff from the university.

After collecting their gowns and mortar boards from the Guildhall, students flocked to eight ceremonies through the week to mark gaining their degree in subjects from archaeology to performing arts.

Chancellor of the university, gardener and TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh MBE was also in attendance, handing out certificates to each of the hard-working graduates.

Lucy Miles and her friend Hollie Mullins both graduated on Tuesday in business management.

Lucy said: "I'm very relieved. It's three years of hard work. I'm scared of going into the big bad world, but I'm feeling confident as I'm moving down to London with my partner."

Another graduate Alice Harfleet is moving on to be a junior PR consultant, while her course mate Caroline Ashmore has just been hired in the events industry.

Alice said:" I'm really happy, but sad to not be with my friends. We made it through, and plus we got to meet Alan Titchmarsh!"

"Graduation is one of life’s most significant occasions and is consistently one of my favourite times in the academic year," said Professor Joy Carter DL, vice-chancellor at the University.

"I am always incredibly proud of our graduates and it is an absolute pleasure to celebrate their achievements with them, their families and friends. They all leave Winchester with the knowledge and wisdom to go on and make a real difference in the world, and I wish them every success in the future."

Prominent public figures who have excelled in their respective fields - including actors, sportsmen and women and musicians - are also to be recognised for their achievements with honorary doctorates.

Among those was David Suchet CBE, best known for playing detective Hercule Poirot in the hugely popular television drama series Poirot, who received an honorary doctorate of arts for services to acting.

Eddie Jones, England rugby head coach who masterminded back to back Six Nations titles, was also awarded an honorary doctorate of letters for services to sport.

Other prominent individuals being recognised included three-time Paralympian rower and handcyclist Rachel Morris, actor and animal welfare activist Peter Egan and former chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Mary Edwards.

For a list of names of those graduating and pictures, see next week's Chronicle supplement.