A Blackburn mother has overcome the battles of a broken marriage and homelessness to fulfil her dream of becoming a dance teacher.

Mum-of-one Lucy Clements graduated from the University of Central Lancashire with a degree in dance performance.

She now already has a job with a dance company teaching children with additional needs.

The 27-year-old found herself homeless for three months while juggling university, childcare, illness, and her separation.

Ms Clements said: "There were times when I really thought I’d never finish my degree.

"I was juggling so many things.

"Despite this, it was absolutely worth it and I am so proud to be graduating."

During her time at university, she also assumed the role of a carer for her mother who lost her sight in one eye.

Lucy added: "She’s here to see me graduate and I know she’s very proud.

"It’s also important that my son is here too and is part of this special moment."

Ms Clement grew up in Kent and Lincolnshire before relocating to Lancashire.

While at university, she mourned the loss of her grandmother, who had been a strong supporter of her dance career.

Lucy can teach across various dance genres but her primary focus is on street dance and hip-hop.

Her future goal is to develop her teaching skills and open her own dance school.

Having taken six years away from dance, Lucy was apprehensive about returning.

She said: "I took six years away from dance before coming to university and at times I worried I would never find my way back, but I did.

"I even had a reoccurring injury that interrupted my studies but I didn’t let it stop me."

She now aims to encourage her students to have the freedom to express themselves through dance.