Thousands of students donned their graduation cap and gowns to celebrate receiving their degrees from Middlesex University.

Families and friends flocked to the university in The Burroughs, Hendon, for the ceremonies last week to see nearly 5,800 graduates presented with their awards.

Honorary degrees were awarded to 11 people, including former Saracens and England women’s rugby player Maggie Alphonsi, choreographer David Steele, author and broadcaster Baroness Young of Hornsey and the Queen's representative for Barnet, Martin Russell.

Maggie Alphonsi said: “I am very fortunate to have had an amazing career so to be recognised for my achievements by the university and to be able to address the other graduates really does mean a lot.”

University vice chancellor Tim Blackman said: “Graduation is a fantastic occasion for not just our graduates, but also for family and friends to come together and celebrate all of the hard work our graduates have put in during their time at Middlesex.

“We want them to go on to help positively shape the world and change the lives of others in their future employment.”