Three of the students graduating from the University of Cumbria this week were also recognised with a brand new award.

The three students not only collected their degrees but collected the first ever “Spirit of Cumbria” honours.

The new awards were created by the university to mark out students who in their own way have represented the university’s values, as summarised in four words: progressive, passionate, supportive and personal.

One recipient was Sayful Alam, who was graduating with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education for general primary school teaching.

Sayful, originally from Oldham, was put forward by his course tutor Dr Paul Cammack, a senior lecturer from the Institute of Education.

Dr Cammack said: “Sayful consistently demonstrates the values and dispositions of an excellent teacher through his warmth, passion for teaching and learning, personal integrity, dedication, resilience and determination.

“With a personal approach, he was always keen and enthusiastic about sharing his learning with others.

“He is exactly the type of teacher that we would all wish our own children to encounter.”

An award also went to paramedic Scott Murray. Kathy Haigh, a senior lecturer in advanced nursing from the university’s recently launched Institute of Health, nominated Scott for the award.

Scott, originally from Birmingham, studied for a Master’s of Science in Advanced Clinical Practice, and his tutor said: “Scott is passionate about his work and field of study.

“Committed to supporting his local community, Scott is a mountain rescue volunteer and is also a member of a paramedic in primary care support group, sharing knowledge and experience to improve clinical practice.

“His personal approach to sharing his knowledge and experiences is inspiring the next generation of student advanced practitioners.”

The third recipient was Alice Hill, from Lincoln, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in photography.

Her tutor Sarah Bonner, a senior lecturer from the university’s Institute of the Arts, nominated Alice, saying: “Alice has made an exceptional contribution to the programme in terms of her personal approach, openness and cheerfulness towards her peers, teaching team and everyone she came in contact with.”

Alice showed a group of primary school children around the degree show, answering questions and inspiring an interest in photography, and her tutor added: “Alice has been a role model to new students and has always been helpful and supportive of others.”