Father and daughter share graduation together

Alhanof (left) and father Abdallah Alharbi moved to Exeter from Saudi Arabia to study

A father and daughter who graduated at the same university together say they supported each other during their studies.

Abdallah Alharbi, who has a PhD in education, and his daughter Alhanof Alharbi, with a BA in Communications, said they "enjoyed spending time" together on campus at the University of Exeter.

Ms Alharbi, 20, said she was not embarrassed her seeing her dad around campus despite his attempts.

They graduated at the University of Exeter on Tuesday but at different ceremonies.

'Inspired'

Ms Alharbi said: “We were very excited to graduate, but before that family and friends celebrated with us at six different parties.

“I did see my dad around campus a lot but it wasn’t embarrassing at all. I was proud to see him.

"He used to think he could embarrass me by coming to ask weird questions when I was helping at Student Guild events but I just thought it was funny.”

She also said she was "inspired" to study at the university after seeing her dad work towards a PhD.

The University of Exeter said a father and daughter graduated together on 16 July

The university said all of the family, which also included mum Mona, a teacher, son Mo, 15 and daughter Danah, 9, moved to Exeter in 2017 so Abdallah could study.

It added the family had now returned to Saudi Arabia but Ms Alharbi hoped to return to study for an MA in Communications next year.

Mr Alharbi said he was proud of his daughter, adding it was a "wonderful experience to experience a new culture".

"We made new friends and enjoyed exploring the countryside and beaches. Our plan is to come back to visit Exeter each summer, it feels like our second home.

He added: "I liked everything, apart from fish and chips."