HUNDREDS of people are expected to visit exhibitions showcasing the best in creative work from Blackburn College's graduates.

The college's University Centre is hosting its Art and Design Degree Show at Blackburn Cathedral and in its Victoria Building until Wednesday.

The exhibition, featuring work from graduates in animation, fine art, fashion, graphic design, illustration, photography, interiors and textiles, launched this week with speakers from Central Saint Martins in London and the Royal British Society of Sculptors as well as Nigel Haworth, chef patron of the Northcote Group.

John Harrison, interim dean and head of school of art and society said: "The Art and Design degree show is the culmination of what has been an incredibly exciting year.

"We have launched exciting collaborations with the Northcote group which has seen student artwork displayed at the Clog and Billycock in Pleasington, played an integral role in the highly-successful Festival of Making alongside world-famous fashion entrepreneur Wayne Hemmingway and even opened our own Gallery space, Prism, in the town centre."

Two photography students who are exhibiting have also secured places in the final of the Association of Photographers student competition.

Michael Duckworth, 30, beat 3,000 other entrants to secure a place in the final with his selection of photography exploring Hunting while Abigail Smith, 21, entered images in the People category.

Michael said: "While studying on the photography I have been given numerous opportunities to work with professionals within the photographic industry.

"These experiences have given me skills and knowledge that will help me within my future career."

Abigail, said: "The Association of Photographers Awards is the most prestigious and highly respected competition for professional photographers, worldwide.

“It’s a fantastic thing to put on your CV and include in your portfolio and it’s things like this that make photographers stand out."

Abbie Riley, who is exhibiting her bedding collection this week, has now secured a design job with luxury linen manufacturer Peter Reed helping to design bespoke bedding for super yachts and private jets sold to celebrities such as Steven Spielberg.

Meanwhile Burnley based company The Original Factory Store has appointed two new fashion graduates from the University Centre.

The pair are also showcasing their work this week.

Amber Simpson, 21, has joined as a garment technologist and Charlotte Murtagh, 27, has swapped a career in childcare to become a fashion buying assistant.

Amber said: “I’ll be working specifically on new womenswear ranges and I hope that this will be my first foot in the door in a competitive industry.”

Charlotte said: “Like Amber I did a placement with The Original Factory Store for two days a week during my degree programme and now I have been offered the full-time role as a Fashion Buying Assistant."