ANNIE HINDLEY is proof that age is no barrier when it comes to getting an education.

For the 75 years-old Leigh great grandmother proudly collected her BA Hons. degree in Humanities from Bolton Institute.

She hopes that her success will spur others into continuing their education - whatever their age.

Annie, from Elmridge, retired as a nurse at Leigh Infirmary 15 years ago. It was after retirement she embarked on her academic career.

When she was 70 she began studying for her A-levels and, four years ago, started a degree course at Bolton.

Originally from Co Mayo in Ireland, Annie has lived in Leigh for nearly 60 years.

"I've always loved reading and writing and I'm a rotten housewife," she said.

So when her son suggested she take an A-level in English Literature she agreed.

That first plunge into the world of education proved a rewarding experience.

"When I was a girl in Ireland, school children were taught that it was not their's to reason why, but rather to do or die," she said.

"When a tutor asked me what I thought about Shakespeare I couldn't believe it. It was very different to how I had been taught at school."

After A-levels, the logical step was to carry on and take a degree.

"It opened up a whole new world for me and was the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I've learnt so much and made so many friends."

Annie received her degree under the proud gaze of her five children who went along to give her moral support.

"I've never been so nervous in my life," she said. "I couldn't stop shaking."

What does she do now? "I'm not the sort of person who can sit in the house and knit."

Daughter Mary Murphy, of Greenfield Road, Atherton, said: "We are all very proud of her and her success. She deserves it."

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