THERE will be joint celebrations at next month s College of West Anglia s Graduation ceremony when both a father and daughter receive honours degrees. Natalie Bayes of The Greys, March will be joined by Alexander Paterson to get their degrees from Anglia

THERE will be joint celebrations at next month's College of West Anglia's Graduation ceremony when both a father and daughter receive honours degrees.

Natalie Bayes of The Greys, March will be joined by Alexander Paterson to get their degrees from Anglia Ruskin University after studying at the College of King's Lynn.

Mrs Bayes, 38, is graduating with a BA (Hons) in Interdisciplinary studies in Early Childhood. Mr Paterson, 61, is graduating with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art.

Since completing her course, Mrs Bayes has embarked on the Graduate Teacher Programme at the Cambridge Partnership and is supported by the Lionel Walden School in Doddington.

Mrs Bayes paid tribute to her husband, Andy, who supported her 100 per cent throughout her three-year course, enabling her to complete her degree while working full time as a playgroup leader.

With a keen interest in art, Mr Paterson studied fine art and not only successfully gained his qualification, but met his partner Diana Stickley, who will also be graduating.

Alexander and Diana have now started a new venture together, opening the Centre for Contemporary Art, a gallery and artists complex in Foxley, Norfolk.

Mrs Bayes said: "Graduating alongside my father and Diana will make the day even more special that it would have been if they had been in the audience watching me.