A mother of five says it is never too old to learn new skills and she's got the qualifications to prove it.

Pervaze Bashir of Fishwick Parade, Preston is now a teacher at the Christ the King High School in Frenchwood. She came to Britain in the 1980s and since then has acquired many qualifications in English and Computing.

She said, "I know there are many stereotypes and assumptions about us the older generation but there are many women like myself within our community who go to work, college and university to acquire new skills."

"Being an Asian mum does not mean being just a housewife.

"I feel that some middle aged Asian women think they are too old to learn new skills or find employment. Lots of them might feel there is no point in going to work because it won't benefit them in any way."

"I nearly followed the same path until I realised that age doesn't matter and we are our own source of motivation."

Pervaze achieved a degree level education in Pakistan and used to teach there. Her present role at the high school requires her to teach GCSE Urdu.

"The students are preparing for their Urdu exam which they will sit this summer. I love teaching at the school and hope to achieve a good pass rate like in previous years.

Pervaze has had to juggle her home life with all the courses she has attended but says her family have always encouraged her.

"My daughters and my son have always supported and motivated me. I feel some women in our community just need to be motivated.

"Sometimes women get educated here but never take that education further."

"I have studied at various centres and continually attend classes such as languages and basic computing. I have a great passion for teaching and did not want to kill this interest just because I came to England."

"Despite many people saying to me that there is no point in learning new skills at this age, I have found that I am able to commuicate better, meet different people and feel more confident in my abilities."

"All I want to say to women out there who might be considering furthering their education is..'if I can do it so can you."