More than 150 newly-qualified health and social care staff have been recognised for their achievements at an awards ceremony.

The event, at the Villa Marina, took the form of a traditional graduation, with recipients being invited to receive their certificates from senior academic staff and healthcare professionals in front friends and family.

The gathering brought together a range of people working in the island’s health and social care sector who have gained qualifications over the past 12 months.

Also presented on the day were a number of long service awards and the chief ambulance officer’s commendation.

Awarding bodies include City & Guilds, through which more than 60 people gained QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework) qualifications, from Level 2 Health and Social Care to Leadership awards at Level 5. Specialist skills in dementia care were honoured with BTEC awards, while a significant number of people gained professional nursing qualifications from the University of Chester.

Fourteen people became a bachelor of nursing in the adult field, and five in mental health.

Honour degrees, masters of science and postgraduate certificates were awarded in the name of Manchester Metropolitan University, and individuals advanced up the academic ladder with high level qualifications from five other UK universities.

The included a PhD for e-research and technology enhanced learning from Lancaster University for Dr Lyz Howard, and a master of science in oncology for Noble’s nurse Markie Chestnut after long-term study with Newcastle University.

Academic gowns were the order of the day as university and professional staff joined the chief executive of Department of Health and Social Care, Dr Malcolm Couch and Clare Bettison MHK in the platform party on the main Villa stage.

The guest of honour was president of the Royal College of Nursing Dr Cecilia Amin, whose address focused on continuing professional development.

She told recipients: ’Many of you here have dedicated your entire professional lives to caring for the people of the Isle of Man.’

She added: ’I hope today has gone some way to recognising the sacrifices you’ve made and the lengths you’ve gone to to put your patients first.’

She thanked all award recipients on behalf of the RCN, saying that, over the 40 years of her career, advances in health care amounted to ’a revolution - with innovation at its core.’

Encouraging staff to continue their education, she added: ’I know it’s a cliche, but in health care, more than in many other professions, you never stop learning!’

The ceremony’s opening and close were heralded with a Manx bagpipe solo from Dr John Struthers of Ellan Vannin Pipes and Drums, while a choir from Ashley Hill primary school entertained the audience during a break in proceedings.

Overall, around 425 people including awardees, dignitaries, staff and guests enjoyed the occasion.