THE end of school bell has rung for a 51-year-old who has been a student at Blackburn College for 26 consecutive years.

Masud Ahmed, known to his neighbours as "college boy", enjoyed his last ever lesson after arthritis made it difficult for him to leave his home in Mandela Court, Blackburn.

The computing course was the last of 50 different topics he studied at Blackburn College since September 1976.

He has passed GCSEs in topics like English, maths, economics, business studies and accountancy, while taking in other night classes in fabric printing, the Persian language, Urdu and politics.

Masud was able to devote his whole time to studying when he retired from work due to ill health in 1980 after various employment in manufacturing and factory jobs.

The courses were free of charge for Masud as he was on income support and he just contributed a nominal registration fee.

For Masud the studying will still play a big role in his future. He plans to teach local children from his home.me.