Carlisle Cathedral proved to be the perfect setting for hundreds of people on Wednesday afternoon as they celebrated their qualification as fully-fledged paramedics. 

200 paramedics would emerge from the famous building donning mortarboards, and a plush sheep, as recognition of their two years of hard work. 

The University of Cumbria's partnership with the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) saw the paramedic apprenticeship launched back in February 2021 and now the NHS is set to reap the rewards. 

READ MORE: 200 paramedics celebrate graduation success at Carlisle Cathedral

While those qualifying originated from all across the country, there were some in attendance who were able to celebrate a little closer to home. 

Peter Watters, from Penrith, earned a first degree in pharmacology back in 1980 but has maintained a passion for learning and all things medical throughout his life. 

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When he was offered the opportunity to train as a fully-fledged paramedic, it was one that he couldn't turn down. 

He said: "I did it because NWAS gave me the opportunity. I felt any opportunity to improve the quality of patient care that we can offer, should be taken.

"The more paramedics we have, the more patient care improves. Therefore, I think the greater number of us on the road, the better the service becomes.

"I've come full circle in my career now. I am really looking forward to what I've got to offer but I'm really enjoying what I do, so this graduation is a culmination of two years of a bit of blood sweat and tears, but I've had great support from colleagues and family."

However, he feels that a lot more needs to be done in order to improve the current state of the NHS. 

He said: "It's fantastic that we've got more paramedics around. What we have to look at is the service as a whole. It's not just the number of people, but the number of vehicles, beds in A&E and hospital availability.

"All these things have got to come together if you are going to improve the quality of the service. Starting with - let's get more paramedics out there. Let's get more availability. It's a start but we have a way to go yet to ease the pressure on the NHS."

Kate Martin, from Appleby, was also delighted to celebrate her success in her home county. 

She said: "It was a no-brainer for me to do the course. It was a win-win. It's been two years of hard work but now, we're here. 

"Having more paramedics out there who are able to give out life-saving drugs and provide life-saving skills just benefits everybody. If NWAS didn't do the progression from technician to paramedic, then the skills are just not there. It's really important to get everybody as skilled as possible. 

"For the full two years, this was the day I was really looking forward to. I've never graduated before so I didn't know what to expect, but now I'm here and it's absolutely amazing."