IT was their moment of glory as students donned their caps and gowns and paraded through Carlisle to the cathedral for their graduation ceremonies this week.

The university, which recently celebrated its 10th birthday, has helped thousands of students follow their dreams.

Ceremonies have been taking place all week.

Each morning began with a greeting from the vice chancellor, Professor Julie Mennell. She told students and their families: “Today is a very special day and it’s your day.

"A day to celebrate and a day to pause and reflect on your journey, the challenges you’ve faced and overcome, the skills and confidence you’ve gained, the friendships you’ve made and to thank all those who have helped you to get where you are today.”

As people arrived, the city not only played host to students and their families, but guests such as TV presenter Dr Fiona Armstrong, who was awarded a honorary fellowship for her contribution to the media industry.

Fiona spoke of her honorary fellowship saying: “It means an awful lot to me because I have so much of Cumbria in me.

"Just from my father being born here through spending time here as a child with relatives. Working here all those years

"I know the county incredibly well and I love the people here, I love the scenery and the towns, so actually to be honoured by a university that represents all that is incredibly important.”

Once the ceremony began the students took their places and progressed to the stage, fulfilling the journey they had been on at university.

Kay Evans, 33, of Workington, studied photography. She explained how supportive the staff at the university have been.

She said: “I take care of my dad and the University of Cumbria is closest. I wanted something local and it’s where I’m from.

“The tutors have been really good and flexible, letting me have days off if I had to take my dad to hospital. They knew I would make my work up and they were always there to talk to if I needed them.”

Lequane Johnson, 21, of Northampton, studied wildlife media and moved to the county as it was the only institute to offer his course.

He said: “I have absolutely loved it, I’m so glad I did it, it was definitely worth doing.

“It feels good. It’s crazy to think how fast three years have gone. It’s amazing, I’m so happy to be here”

Rachel Buxton, of Carlisle, studied a master of arts in photography. She said: “I’m from Carlisle and it seemed like the best option for me as it allowed me to focus on what I really wanted to do.”

Leah Cowley, 23, from Staffordshire, also studied for a master of arts in photography. She said: “Today felt really empowering, it’s nice to know I can get this far.

“I did my research for it – the studios and the buildings were really impressive, I fell in love with it the first time I came here really.”

Harry Ward, 22, of Bolton, studied illustration. He said: “There are no distractions up here, you can actually crack on with work, I think its made me knuckle down and get in a better mindset for a career.”

Megan Ogley, 21, of Pontefract, studied photography. Her Capability project – about the strength and power of individuals with prosthetics or amputations – was exhibited up and down the country and it led to her being commissioned for work now she finished university.

She said: “It’s incredible because when I first started I didn’t expect this to happen.”

The university was formerly known as Cumbria College of Art & Design, and Cumbria Institute of the Arts.