SUPER swot Philip Larter was so desperate to pass his degree course that he postponed his honeymoon for a year so he could study!

The 38-year-old former furniture maker went back to his books after a night in a hotel with new wife Louise following their marriage at Stirk House Hotel, Gisburn, last July.

And the move paid off when he received a first class honours degree in computer aided engineering from the University of Central Lancashire in Preston yesterday.

Philip's wife Louise -- who kept her family name Stalton -- is a reception class teacher at Crawshawbooth Primary School and she supported him through the three-year course. The couple are now preparing to fly off on a luxury break to Dubai and the Maldives and will arrive on their first wedding anniversary.

Philip, of Briercliffe, said: "We are both relieved it is all over. The honeymoon is long awaited and very welcomed. We decided to postpone it until I qualified and we will actually arrive in the Maldives on our first wedding anniversary.

"I supported Louise through her degree and then she supported me through mine. Straight after the graduation ceremony we went shopping for lots of holiday things."

As well as postponing the honeymoon, the couple missed out on a holiday last summer too.

Louise found herself swimming in pupils work to be marked and planning schedules while Philip began a summer job so they never found the time to just be together.

So now the pair are more than ready for this break as they prepare to fly off on a luxury holiday to Dubai and the Maldives.

Philip added: "I've already been for a few interviews. The only thing that could really put the icing on the cake now is for me to be coming back to a job."

Philip was one of three East Lancashire students attending the university's Degree and Awards Ceremony at Preston's Guild Hall.

Fine Art graduate Karin Gage, 28, of Cherry Crescent, Rawtenstall has already secured a six month placement with the Irwell Sculpture Trail.

She will produce a piece of work to be sited in Bacup.

Karin gave up a job as a mental health assistant for Burnley Health Care Trust and sold her car in preparation for three years full time study.

Hard working David Titley held down a full time shift work job at Rolls Royce in Barnoldswick for two years during his studies and still came out with a first class honours degree in Fine Art.

The 35-year-old father of two, of Burwains Avenue, Foulridge, is to start an MA in Art as Environment at Manchester Metropolitan University in September.