COLLEAGUES John Ashworth and Steve Holden enjoyed a double celebration when they picked up a couple of top academic qualifications.

The pair, who work at beer group John Smith's in Chorley, have combined study with full-time work.

John, operations project manager, has gained a masters in business administration while Steve, product quality manager, is now a BSc after 10 years.

He said: "Becoming a BSc has been one of my driving ambitions and it feels great to have the certificate in my hand.

"I left school with no formal qualifications and was determined to prove to myself that I could reach this level."

John, who gained the MBA in three years, added: "Although I have a degree in brewing this gives me a broader business knowledge which will come in very useful."

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