Church bells rang out as students at The Northern School of Art celebrated their achievements in a series of graduation ceremonies at Hartlepool’s historic Art Gallery.

The graduates emerged into the summer sunshine after each event to the peel of bells and were met by an informal guard of honour and applause from their former lecturers.

A total of 126 of the School’s students received awards that are validated by the Arts University Bournemouth and four students received Higher National Diploma awards.

The day marked awards being handed out in the wide range of the creative subjects offered by The Northern School of Art, which is the only specialist provider of creative courses in the North East.

Students graduated in fine art, illustration, photography, textile and surface design, product and spatial design, costume design, film production, graphic design and production design for stage & screen.

Each of the ceremonies featured a keynote speech by notable fashion historian and broadcaster Amber Butchart, pictured above in the centre

She said: “I’m delighted to return to the brilliant Northern School of Art to take part in this year’s graduation celebrations. It’s more important than ever to support arts education, and I look forward to wishing the students all the very best in their future careers.”

Commenting on the Graduation ceremonies The Northern School of Art’s Principal, Martin Raby said: “Today is a very happy one, a day for our new graduates and their loved ones and one which celebrates their wonderful achievements whilst studying with us.  Many of these graduates have already secured employment in the creative sector or are moving on the post-graduate courses, continuing our outstanding record for graduate employability.

“Today is also a special one for the town a time to celebrate the special place Hartlepool has in the creative life of the country, and its contribution to the rapidly expanding creative industries which consistently outstrip the rest of the UK economy in terms of both value and employment growth.”

There were emotional scenes in Church Square as the newly graduated students were reunited after each ceremony with their families and friends before heading to enjoy celebratory drinks and refreshments provided by the School.