HARD work and outstanding achievements were saluted as graduation time came to Sparsholt College.

The agricultural college near Winchester invited around 800 students in advanced, further and higher education to take part.

Winchester Cathedral provided the eye-catching backdrop to the awards ceremony last month (July).

Higher education students from Andover College also joined those from Sparsholt to collect their awards.

Sparsholt principal Tim Jackson said: “2011 has proved to be another successful academic year for Sparsholt College.

“Over 800 certificates, diplomas, higher diplomas and degrees have been awarded of which 412 were presented at these ceremonies.

“We pride ourselves that the students who leave Sparsholt College are equipped with the skills, experience and qualifications to succeed in their chosen professions.”

He was joined at the event by guest of honour Lord Boswell of Aynho and college president, The Earl of Malmesbury.

John Charles, who chairs the governors, was also there along with the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Barry Lipscomb.

In his address, Lord Boswell urged the students to maintain the high standards set at the college, and to continue learning from each other.

Degrees awarded to Sparsholt students came from the University of Portsmouth, while higher education qualifications at Andover were awarded by Southampton University, the Chartered Management Institute and the Association of Accounting Technicians.

For more information about courses at Sparsholt College visit www.sparsholt.ac.uk or call 01962 776441.

For more pictures of the graduation ceremony, see the next edition of the Hampshire Chronicle on Thursday, August 4.