Local dignitaries processed through the town centre, headed up by the London Fanfare Trumpets, to St Mary’s Church, where excited graduates from the Faculty of Health & Social Sciences had gathered.

The audience was warmly greeted by the University’s Chancellor, The Rt Hon John Bercow MP, who told the graduates: “We as a University are very proud of you. Your success is the product of two ingredients, the first being inspiration and the other being perspiration and your sheer hard work.”

Joining the students were former Bedfordshire student and bestselling author Stephen Kelman and former chairman of the Luton Music Club Chris Thomas, who were each awarded an Honorary Doctor of Arts for their contributions to the arts.

Stephen, whose debut novel Pigeon English was shortlisted for ten awards, including the Guardian First Book Award and the Man Booker Prize, urged the graduates not to forget the arts, saying: “Music, poetry, books – these are the things that enrich our souls and help us express our relationship with each other and the world.”

Chris, who has been involved with the Luton Music Club for over 40 years, said he was “enormously surprised” at receiving his award, and told the graduates: “I wish you all good luck for the future and I wish you every success in the years to come.”

The ceremony marked the end of summer graduations at the University, where hundreds of students from across the University collected their awards in front of delighted family and friends.