Graduation: D&A College students have their day in autumn sun.

Graduands take centre stage at ceremony to mark their achievements

More than 400 Dundee and Angus students will enjoy their day in the autumn sun as they receive their academic awards this afternoon.

Four hundred and fifty D&A College students will take centre stage having successfully completed their programmes of choice.

Retired athlete and motivational speaker Derek Redmond will host this afternoon’s ceremony at the Caird Hall in Dundee.

The students have achieved Higher National programmes such as HNC, HND or BA degree, plus SVQ and PDA awards, and will be attending along with 1,500 family and friends.

College principal Grant Ritchie said: “We are delighted to have shared in our students’ journey, supporting them in getting through their courses.

“All the hours of hard work have been worthwhile, balancing study with parttime jobs, looking after family and kids and juggling all the pressures that today’s world can throw up.

“Now they can move on to their next challenge – whether it’s university, the world of work or a gap period off around the world.

“Any college worth its salt really measures its success by the students that it helps to progress. We are proud of ours and wish them continued success.”

British Olympian Derek Redmond held the British record for the 400 metres sprint and won gold medals in the 4x400 metres relay at the World Championships and European Championships.

One of his most memorable moments on the track was one of courage when his hamstring tore during the semi-final at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992.

Instead of giving up Derek chose to continue the race he started and, with his father’s help, crossed the finishing line.

The video of this moment is still used today in motivational videos all around the world.

Derek’s motivational address at the ceremony will give the audience the message to never give up and that nothing is impossible with a little determination.

The Caird Hall ceremony starts at 2.30pm and will close with piper Rich Gordon playing the students out into City Square.