A Suffolk broadcaster was among the first group of graduates as he received his honourary degree from the University of Suffolk.

Thousands of University of Suffolk students will attend ceremonies throughout the week watched on by proud family, friends and staff. 

The ceremonies began on Friday at Great Yarmouth Minister featuring students based at East Coast College with more held at the weekend at St Edmundsbury Cathedral. 

Ipswich Star: University of Suffolk students will be attending graduation ceremonies throughout the week.University of Suffolk students will be attending graduation ceremonies throughout the week. (Image: East Coast College/University of Suffolk)

The university will also recognise five honourary graduates, from a Suffolk-born broadcaster to a well-known dialect expert and a former Ipswich mayor. 

On Friday, Lowestoft born-and-raised broadcaster and author Zeb Soanes, who penned the Gaspard the Fox children’s books and has been a newsreader and presenter on BBC television and radio, received his honourary degree, 

Mr Soanes said: “It means the most coming from Suffolk. Suffolk is very much at the heart of who I am, and even though work has been, by necessity, in London for the past quarter of a century, Suffolk is an essential part of me.

Ipswich Star: Zeb Soanes was the first of five honourary graduates to receive his degree at Yarmouth Minster on Friday.Zeb Soanes was the first of five honourary graduates to receive his degree at Yarmouth Minster on Friday. (Image: East Coast College/University of Suffolk)

“I was very happy to encourage graduates that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and work hard.”

At Monday's ceremony, Cathy Ryan MBE will be honoured alongside nursing students for her work in the health sector, as well as her charitable work supporting healthcare among Aboriginal communities and those with dementia or needing end-of-life care.

Ipswich Star: Ceremonies will be held throughout the week on the Waterfront.Ceremonies will be held throughout the week on the Waterfront. (Image: Gregg Brown/University of Suffolk)

Wednesday will see renowned Suffolk dialect expert and author Charlie Haylock become an honorary graduate, before former Ipswich mayor and Ipswich Caribbean Association founding member Hamil Clarke MBE is recognised that evening.

On Thursday morning, Ann Osborn from the Rural Coffee Caravan and founder of the 500 Suffolk Reasons initiative to help those in financial crisis, will be awarded an honorary doctorate.

Ipswich Star: Ceremonies will be held throughout the week on the Waterfront.Ceremonies will be held throughout the week on the Waterfront. (Image: Gregg Brown/University of Suffolk)

Professor Helen Langton MBE, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of the University of Suffolk, said: “Graduation week is a really special time for our graduates, their families and friends, and colleagues at the University of Suffolk, as we all celebrate their hard work and achievements while looking ahead to their future careers alongside the peers and staff who have helped them on their journey.

“Our campus is buzzing with activity, and we wish all our graduates all the very best in their future endeavours.”