THIRTY-ONE proud and emotional students at Linkage College received rapturous applause in recognition of their achievements.
The college, which is the longest-standing, specialist further education provider in the country, held its annual graduation ceremony at the Grimsby Minster.
Friends and family were in attendance to see their loved ones, who come from all over the country to study in Grimsby.
Matthew Orford, principal of Linkage College, said: "What an amazing set of achievements. All of the graduates are rightly proud of what they have done.
"I also echo the graduates in thanking the staff for all their hard work this year. They put in an incredible amount of effort. It's amazing to listen to all the stories and I was greatly moved, I certainly needed my box of tissues!
"You cannot underestimate the work we do and the impact we have on people's lives."
The college, which has a campus on Weelsby Road, caters for young learning disabled adults from 16 upwards.
Sarah Whiteley, learner, recruitment and development manager at Linkage College, hosted the ceremony.
She said: "This is the first time we have hosted the ceremony at the minster and it went brilliantly. This year's graduates have all done tremendously. They have all passed their qualifications and developed their skills.
"But away from the academical side, they have all made great strides as individuals, too. A lot of them came to us lacking confidence, but that has all changed.
"It's always sad to see them go, but this is just the start of the story. We will keep in touch with them to see how they progress."
Robert Price, 19, was one of the 31 to graduate.
He said: "I've been here for three years and it's been an amazing experience.
"I was pretty nervous heading up to get my award today but it was worth it. It has been a really successful time for me and I have learned a lot.
"I have a job interview next week so fingers crossed it works out. I've made a lot of friends here, so it's a bit sad to be leaving."
Michael Goldsmith, 22, won a special award for being the college's first ever president of the student union.
He added: "It was great to be involved with the union. I got a lot done and I think it was a really successful period.
"I've made a lot of friends here so I'm really sad to be leaving. I've enjoyed my time here and I will always remember it."
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