HUNDREDS of students celebrated the end of years of hard work when they received their degrees at a series of York St John College graduation ceremonies.

The ceremonies were taking place over two days at York Minster, yesterday and today, and saw students graduate in a variety of subjects.

Honorary fellowships went to Mark Herman, a York-based film director; Dr David Hope, the former Archbishop of York; Liz Allen, national official for higher education for NATFHE (the university and college lecturers' union); and Dr Ken Atkinson, a senior geography lecturer at Leeds University.

Among the graduates was 23-year-old Rose O'Neill, of Breighton Road, Bubwith, who graduated from York St John College yesterday with a first-class BSc (Hons) degree in psychology. She also received a prestigious British Psychological Society Award in recognition of her achievements.

Richard Mallows, the now-retired head of psychology, was Rose's supervisor during her final year and nominated her for the prize.

He said: "The British Psychological Society has instituted an award for each accredited institution to give a prize to the outstanding student in any particular year.

"Rose was the only student to achieve a first-class degree this year, so the recipient of the award was clear. She has been an outstanding student throughout her three years at York St John College."

Rose chose to take a degree in psychology some time after she had completed her A-levels.

She said: "I did a part-time A-level in psychology at York College, got an A grade and decided to carry on. I chose the course at York St John because it was a smaller, friendlier institution than the larger universities, and the city centre location appealed to me."

Rose is now studying for a Master's degree in occupational psychology at Sheffield University.

Updated: 15:43 Friday, November 18, 2005