ITV national news anchor and Sparsholt College advocate Alastair Stewart OBE, was guest of honour when the college celebrated the class of 2014 at its annual presentation awards.

The prestigious event, held at Winchester Cathedral last week, recognises the hard work, outstanding academic achievements and vocational accomplishments of the college’s higher education and level 3 students.

Before presenting the diplomas, certificates and degree awards Mr Stewart said: “I was born in Hampshire, I live with my family in Hampshire and the college is one of its most precious assets – for what it does and for what it stands for.

“Education matters, enormously.

None of us can do much without it. ”

Mr Stewart joined a number of special guests including chairman of governors, John Charles, college president, The Earl of Malmesbury, the Very Reverend James Atwell, Dean of Winchester Cathedral and the Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Eileen Berry.

Principal Tim Jackson presided over the two ceremonies which awarded further education certificates and diplomas, foundation degree and BSc honours students with their qualifications.

“The past academic year has been another highly successful one for the college,” he said.

“Over 2,000 qualifications have been awarded with around 750 of these being presented at today’s two ceremonies.”

Degrees awarded to students from Sparsholt College were conferred by the University of Portsmouth, while higher education qualifications at the Andover campus are awarded by Southampton University, the Chartered Management Institute and the Association of Alastair Stewart with Sparsholt students Accounting Technicians.