Carol Neale, Wendy Rushby, Robert Hudson and Amanda Newton graduated with Foundation Degrees (Arts) in Voluntary Sector Management, through their voluntary work with the UK first aid charity.

They joined more than 170 students graduating at the Awards Ceremony.
Despite the presence of additional uniformed St John Ambulance staff at the event, Robert said he and his gowned graduate colleagues would have been ready to pitch in if needed.

"As a volunteer you're never really off duty," added Robert, 65, of Calow, Chesterfield.

* Proudly watching her son Mark Allsop collect a 2:1 for his BA (Hons) degree in Sports Studies was University Catering Technician Eileen Allsop, who served tea and cakes to graduates and parents in the morning before making a quick change and joining the rest of the parents watching the afternoon ceremony.

Mark, 29, of Buxton, joined the Campus on an HND course in 2001 and, following a three year gap while he was in employment, took a 'top-up' course to gain a full degree. He now intends to return to the Buxton Campus for a one year Masters degree course.

He said: "I like the subject and this place has been been fantastic."
Eileen, who has worked for the University and its predecessor, High Peak College, for 27 years, said: "I'm very proud of him. He did his degree while working full time."