DETERMINATION has paid off for Dorothy Davies of Blackburn, who has gained an honours degree after six years' study while holding down a full-time job.

Dorothy, of Leopold Way, graduated from the University of Central Lancashire with an upper second class honours degree in history with English.

She works full time as a departmental and site administrator for psychology for the National Health Service based at St Ives House, Accrington Road, Blackburn.

She thoroughly enjoyed the course and said: "The opportunity to study at my own pace and meet students of all ages has been a fantastic opportunity."

Dorothy plans to stay in her present job but would like to look at ideas for writing children's literature.