GRADUATES from a theological college in West Malvern have enjoyed a graduation ceremony.

Fifty graduates from Regents Theological College took part in a procession from the Lyttleton Well to Great Malvern Priory via Church Street.

The mayor of Malvern, Cynthia Palmer, who was at the ceremony at the Priory, said: “What a pleasure it was to be invited to this great occasion and see the students celebrating their success after such a lot of hard work.

"Regents Theological College makes a great contribution to the local community in West Malvern.”

Among the graduates was Kevin Surridge, from Ledbury, Herefordshire, who studied Applied Theology.

He said: "Regents Theological College was on the radar because it was local.

"The first six weeks of studying after running my own business were a huge challenge, trying to get back into academia, but once I got over that hump I loved it.

"The interaction, content of teaching and lectures was great.

"It was all about taking on a challenge I didn’t think I could do, and realising that you can do anything you put your mind to."

Also at the ceremony were Reverend Chris Cartwright, General Superintendent for the Elim Movement, and Reverend Dave Newton, principal and head of training at Regents Theological College.

Reverend Newton said: "We are thrilled that the hard work, application and dedication of our students has yielded such fantastic results.

"So many are now using what they have learned to make a valuable contribution to their own communities and beyond."