Students toasted their success at a Festival of Achievement at St George's Hall yesterday.

Some 440 students received their awards when they graduated from Bradford College at the ceremony.

The event got underway with higher education graduation ceremonies to recognise the achievements of students graduating from degree programmes validated by Leeds Metropolitan University.

The afternoon saw BTEC Higher National Certificate and Diploma students formally presented with their qualifications.

Bradford College principal and chief executive Michele Sutton told the students and their families she was proud of their achievements, and that their new skills were a big boost to the city and a step in the right direction towards Bradford's regeneration.

Other guests at the ceremony were Leeds Metropolitan University dean of innovation north Cath Orange, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bradford, Councillor Robin and Janet Owens, Bradford Centre Regeneration chief executive and the Learning and Skills Council's regional director, Margaret Coleman.