GRADUATES celebrating degrees from South Essex College were encouraged to be brave, take whatever opportunities come their way and go for a career they lover.

BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Peter Allen, who comes from Rayleigh, gave a motivational speech to more than 300 students who saw their years of hard work come to fruition with the presentation of degrees.

The Cliffs Pavilion in Westcliff was packed with proud families as the college’s graduation ceremony celebrated the outstanding work of students.

Among them were 31 students who had achieved first class honours.

Peter, a former journalist with the Southend Standard, who received an honorary degree, said: “It is important to do a job you love. Don’t be frightened of taking any opportunities that come along.

“I have learned something from every job I have had. The keys are to work hard and keep smiling.”

Mr Allen has worked in journalism for more than 40 years, starting out in local newspapers before progressing to ITN and London News Network.

College principal Angela O’Donoghue spoke of students’ achievements, which included fashion and photography students exhibiting their collections at the prestigious Free Range show in London and fine art students providing an end-of-year exhibition called Forgetting Derek, about a spider that lived in their studio.

Outstanding individuals were also lauded, including Alanah Smitten, who won an NHS competition to design a full work wear collection for staff at North East London NHS Foundation Trust.

Photography student David Hyde’s photos from London Fashion Week were published in a high end magazine endorsed by Vogue, while sports student Joanne Duck was also praised for a study on kayaks, which was thought to be unique in the sport.

Ms O’Donoghue said: “I know I speak for all of my colleagues when I say how proud we are of all our successful students here tonight, supported by their friends and family who have stood by them and encouraged them throughout their qualifications.

“Graduates, today is your special day. You should feel a real sense of achievement. Each of you has faced the intellectual challenge of advanced higher level study and succeeded.

“You have worked hard, shown dedication and commitment.

“We are very pleased to award 31 first class honours degrees tonight, a fantastic achievement.”

Mr Allen presented the students with their degree citations.