WILTSHIRE'S oldest student, Margaret White, celebrated her 96th birthday with staff and fellow students at the Devizes-based Wiltshire College last week.

The surprise celebration took place during a break in the Ten Books Worth Reading course, the latest that Mrs White has signed up for at Wiltshire College.

She was given a birthday card from college principal George Bright, which contained a voucher for a term's worth of fees.

Centre manager Dot Fox presented the card to Mrs White in front of her 11 classmates and lecturer Marcus Toyne.

They all enjoyed a piece of birthday cake before getting back to the classroom.

Mrs White said: "It's such a lovely surprise, and a wonderful gesture. This is my sixth year coming to the college.

"I've done a lot of different courses even computing for the terrified.

"The ten books worth reading course is a challenge as you have to read a book each week.

"But we get so much from the discussions with the group and, of course, from our wonderful lecturer, Marcus."

Mr Bright said: "Mrs White is an inspiration to us all and a great advert for the benefits of lifelong learning.

"We are delighted to have her learning with us and hope she will continue for many years to come."