Nearly 1,000 friends and family turning out to celebrate the achievements of over 240 graduates from Truro and Penwith College on Friday in the grand setting of Truro Cathedral.

The cathedral welcomed the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Edward Bolitho as he addressed those sat before him.

He said: “For all of you, this represents a real turning point in your lives, a real opportunity. With your qualification in your pocket, the future is now full of possibilities. Amongst you, there may be future prime ministers, captains of industry, professors, coaches of national teams, the finest craftsmen and women in the land.”

“Whatever your ambition may be, you now have the potential to achieve it. The future is in your hands. So, if I might say one thing to you, it is that we only get one life, so give it your best shot.”

Among those receiving their scrolls was a selection of students whose achievements were specially recognised. Lauren Cook won the Academic Partnerships Prize and was presented with her award by professor Simon Payne, interim deputy vice chancellor and dean, academic partnerships Plymouth University.

Professor Payne read: “Her positive, forward thinking personality, combined with her drive for the very best standards impresses all those that come into contact with her. Her ambition and passion to succeed inspires her peers to achieve their best.”

Zoe Tullett was presented with The Education Cup for being a committed and outstanding student, despite battling ongoing health problems. Zoe achieved a 2:1 and has started a primary SCITT course.

Zoe said: “It feels great to graduate and move on to the next chapter. Once I have finished my SCITT course, I will have achieved my QTS and move into teaching. The one to one support at the College has been fantastic and was one of the reasons I chose to come here.”

Both Laura Lawrance and Cheryl Hinton also received special recognition for their exceptional work.