ONE of Leigh Girls' Grammar School's last pupils has gained a degree -- over 20 years on.

And it could be the start of 42-year-old Brenda Mills becoming a one woman Three Degrees.

After gaining her BSc (Hons) degree in natural sciences from the Open University, Brenda, of Manchester Road, Leigh, has signed up for a second in business studies.

The former Volex employee -- made redundant a year ago after 17 years with the company -- is having difficulty finding a job because she has twice been told she is over qualified.

"There's not much call for a geologist since the pits closed, that's one reason why I signed up to do a business degree," said Brenda, who regretted leaving school early and has become addicted to study.

"I should have gone on to get a degree in the 70s but was keen to get out and making a living."

In 1995 she did a GCSE computer course at Wigan and Leigh College and caught the learning bug.

She said: "I now have the degree I should have got years ago and it is so satisfying. Who knows, I may end up as a one woman Three Degrees."