Celebrity gardener and television presenter Alan Titchmarsh, addressed graduating students of Writtle College today during a special ceremony held at Chelmsford Cathedral, Essex.
During his address Alan said: "I have been attending these ceremonies over several years now, I've lost count of how many, and yet the achievements of the students never ceases to amaze me."
As Patron of Writtle College which is a partner of the University of Essex, Alan went on to endorse the specialist skills that graduating students will take into their selected employment fields, saying: "Knowing what I have learned about this College and the kinds of people that Writtle turns out, I have no doubt that our landscape is in the safest of hands."
A number of Honorary Doctorates was awarded today at the graduation ceremony the first to Essex sportsperson, Sally Gunnell in recognition of her services to sport and the promotion of well-being.
Peter Philpot, the owner of popular Essex based Barleylands Farm Park and Craft Village, was another recipient of an Honorary Doctorate for his services to agriculture and commitment to education on rural life.
Christine Walkdon and joint honorary doctorates Wol and Sue Staines received their Honarary awards during the afternoon ceremony.
A total of 220 students will be graduating today and tomorrow from the specialist College's subject areas in Horticulture, Sport, Equine & Animal Science, Design, Agriculture, Conservation and Management Studies.
Photo Caption: Alan Titchmarsh – Writtle College Patron, Sally Gunnell – University of Essex Honorary Doctorate, Peter Philpot - University of Essex Honorary Doctorate