More than 400 learners have been celebrated at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s annual graduation ceremony held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno.

These students achieved various degrees, university-level qualifications and professional awards.

The achievers included those who obtained undergraduate degrees, foundation degrees, PGCEs, and higher national certificates at Coleg Llandrillo, Coleg Menai and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor.

Some learners also gained professional qualifications through Busnes@LlandrilloMenai, in fields like management, human resources, marketing, and business.

Hannah Evans achieved a First-Class Honours degree in Health and Social Care  (Image: Grŵp Llandrillo Menai)

24 students achieved first-class Honours degrees, while another 51 were awarded distinctions in their chosen fields.

Many students juggled work and family or health issues, yet succeeded in improving their educational qualifications and skills.

One such student was former Cardiff Blues rugby player Rhun Williams, who gained a BSc (Hons) Degree in Construction Management after an injury cut short his rugby career.

Hannah Hughes, from Bethel near Caernarfon, completed her PGCE while expecting a baby  (Image: Grŵp Llandrillo Menai)

Mr Williams said: "It means a lot to have gained my degree.

"I enjoyed it, I learned a lot.

"I was very glad I was working alongside the course.

"I was learning in college and learning on site, day in, day out."

The students celebrated in Llandudno  (Image: Grŵp Llandrillo Menai)

Another remarkable achiever was Louise Baker from Abergele, who completed her Foundation Degree in Health & Social Care whilst expecting her first child and working in a care home.

She said: "It was a challenge trying to juggle it all and have the motivation to do coursework.

"I had to stay up late at night sometimes, and other times I was doing work in my car.

"But I enjoyed the course and made quite close friends.

"My tutors at college were very supportive - they offered me extended time but I didn’t take it, I just got on with it."

Sallie Roberts, a lecturer at Coleg Glynllifon, celebrated completing her PGCE  (Image: Grŵp Llandrillo Menai)

There were plenty of other success stories.

Several graduates, including Hannah Evans and Samantha Russell, achieved a First in their Health and Social Care and Culinary Arts degree, respectively.

Ms Evans said: "I’m so excited to be graduating with a first, it means an awful lot to me.

The ceremony took place at Venue Cymru  (Image: Grŵp Llandrillo Menai)

"The course was absolutely fantastic, and the tutors were amazing.

"My plans for the future are to do a Masters in social work."

Rosie, Jordan, Lowri and sport staff   (Image: Grŵp Llandrillo Menai)

Ms Russell, who also works as a catering and hospitality lecturer at Coleg Llandrillo, said: "This course allowed me to develop lots of skills and knowledge to take forward into my teaching.

"My plan for next year is to do a Masters at University College Birmingham and combine this with teaching at Coleg Llandrillo."

Jordan Griffiths-Bell from Colwyn Bay graduated with a BSc (Hons) Sport Science (Sports Coaching).

Speaking about his degree said: "When I started at college it was never part of the plan to go to uni. I just wanted to get as many qualifications as I could."