Guests gathered for yesterday’s ceremony, which began with a procession of distinguished visitors including this year’s honorary graduate Sir Ben Kingsley.

These included the university’s chancellor Rt Hon Baroness Bottomley of Nettlestone, vice-chancellor Professor David Drewry and Dean of Scarborough campus Dr Craig Gaskell. Scarborough mayor Cllr Eileen Vickers was also in attendance.

Prof Drewry addressed the students. He said: “This is a time for all of us to mark the success you have gained and to share the traditions of the university.

“You have contributed in so many ways to making the university here a lively, interesting place to study and to grow.”

Students collected their certificates on the stage of The Spa’s Grand Hall and the 90-minute ceremony finished with a rousing rendition of the national anthem.

Afterwards they were served champagne with their friends and family.

Anne-Marie Brett, of Coldyhill Lane, Newby, achieved a 2:1 in Internet Computing despite having dyslexia.

She said: “I worked hard, perhaps three times as hard because of my dyslexia, to achieve these results so I’m determined to make the most of today.”

Sian Harrison, 26, of Osgodby, still managed to gain a 2:1 in Theatre and Dance despite teaching Performing Arts at Yorkshire Coast College’s Westwood site while taking her degree.

Mrs Harrison said: “It’s been a long time coming. I couldn’t wait for today. It was a very nice setting for the ceremony and it was great to be among my friends and peers.”