Thank you so much to the Echo and to all in Bournemouth for making my daughter’s graduation ceremony at the BIC last week such a special occasion.

From the moment of our arrival at The Cumberland Hotel all the staff went out of their way to congratulate her and our family and nothing was too much trouble to help us with last minute preparations, from massages to snipping labels out of her outfit.

The taxi driver made sure we arrived on time and gave us a discount so we didn’t have to stand in the rain waiting for change.

There were congratulations banners around the town.

The BIC staff, gown hire team and official photographers were all so kind despite coping with so many ceremonies and students.

The catering was well-organised.

Organisers from the university had thought of every detail and the Bournemouth Concert Brass Band were fantastic.

Seeing my daughter’s name in the Echo was an extra surprise – that’s what a good, local community newspaper does best, it adds an extra public sparkle to a special occasion.

Well done Bournemouth – you passed with first class honours!

Sally Stevens Windsor, Berks