ONE woman's rise from factory floor worker in Darwen to high-powered executive was sealed at Blackburn College's graduation ceremony.

Former Akzo Nobel worker Lesley Rees, 45, was presented with the prestigious Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree after completing the three-year part-time course.

Lesley, who worked at the factory, more commonly known as Crown Paints, between 1990 and 2001 and slowly worked her way up the ranks after starting out as a warehouse picker.

She later became a commercial manager for the company's decorator centres.

Lesley moved from Darwen in December 2001, but has spent the last six months commuting 600 miles once or twice a month to take the classes at Blackburn College.

And with the help of her new qualification she has been appointed head paint buyer at B & Q's headquarters, in Southampton.

She said: "The last six months were very hard work and it would not have been possible without a lot of help.

"B & Q were kind enough to let me have time off and the college staff were very flexible. I also owe a lot to Akzo Nobel, because they sponsored me to do the course.

"If it wasn't for all those people I wouldn't have been able to make it."

MBA course director at Blackburn College John Ashcroft, said: "We are tremendously proud of Lesley and what she has achieved.

"She has worked hard on the course and held down a full-time job and her success is fully deserved."

Lesley, originally from Rugby, now lives in Southampton and has two children Jodie, 25, and Damien, 21.