It might be another decade before they get a degree but pupils at Shirehampton primary school donned mortarboards and gowns for a special graduation ceremony yesterday.

The pupils in year six of the school, on St Mary's Walk, were awarded certificates after completing an aim higher project with students from the University of the West of England.

The group of students of all degree disciplines, working as part of the university's outreach programme, took the classes of 10 and 11-year-olds on a tour of the university campus to get them thinking about the future.

Class teacher, Becky Quant, said: "The pupils went on a tour of the university in October, and the students have been working with them, discussing their hobbies and asking them what kind of lifestyle they might want to lead. They've even looked at university prospectuses. It might seem a long way off but it's about putting the idea of university into their heads."

Yesterday the 41 pupils made cardboard mortarboards and wore special gowns as they graduated.

Eileen and David Preece went to the ceremony to watch their grandson James Shaw. Mrs Preece, from Manor Farm, said: "I reckon it's a lovely idea and a really great incentive to get them thinking about university, they all looked like they loved it, especially when they threw their hats in the air."