THE principal of Worcester College of Technology found out what it was like to be on the receiving end of a graduation ceremony when he was awarded an honorary degree from the University College Worcester.

John Henderson has conferred plenty of qualifications on students throughout his 13 years as principal of the WCT, but this was the first time he has attended a ceremony from the graduate's point of view.

"I didn't attend any of my personal degree graduation ceremonies, so this was my first time on the 'receiving end' if you like," said Mr Henderson.

"It was all quite nerve-wracking."

After receiving his Master's Degree, for services to education in Worcester, he admitted that he had originally only planned to be in the city for three years.

"The plan was to keep moving south to a principalship at of one of the colleges on the south coast.

"I have a cottage in France, so this would have been handy" he said.

"I stayed in Worcester because of the UCW expansion and it was an exciting time for the college.

"I also have a marvellous staff and great students."

Since he took on the role, WCT has doubled in size and become the largest provider of post-16 education in the county, with 23,000 pupils.

"Recently I have helped to cement the relationship between Worcester College of Technology and University College Worcester," said Mr Henderson.

Among his other achievements he cites the successes of the Outreach programme helping disaffected students and the University for Industry scheme.