A LITTLE friendly persuasion proved the ideal inspiration for parish magazine editor Julia Taylor who collected her Open University degree on Friday.

Mrs Taylor gained a BA in classical literature and plans to continue with her studies.

The 63-year-old housewife from Bratton was among 200 Open University students receiving their degree awards from pro-chancellor Sir Bryan Nicholson at Cheltenham Town Hall.

But if it had not been for the prompting of church friend Sue Keefe, who also now has an OU degree, she may never have given it a go.

She said: "I joined the OU in 1994 because Sue had decided to do an arts degree and to be honest she needled me about it until I gave in and agreed to join as well.

"I had always wanted to do a degree and I could have gone to university if I worked a bit harder. In those days the subjects that girls were offered were not that inspiring, but I have enjoyed studying with the OU.

"I was absolutely delighted to collect my award, even the pro-chancellor said I looked happy."

As well as editing The White Horse Churchman, Mrs Taylor is also a parish councillor and a member

of the parochial church

council at St James' church in Bratton.

Gaining her OU degree has inspired her to apply for a place on a three-year theological course offered by Salisbury Diocese. But she also plans to take further Greek studies with the OU.

She said: "Once you get to the top of the hill you do rather look for the next one to climb. I would definitely study with the OU again, I thought it was a wonderful experience."

Four other west Wiltshire students were among those joining Mrs Taylor at Friday's ceremony in Cheltenham, including 71-year-old Bradford on Avon resident Michael Hodgson.

Mr Hodgson proved a star student, securing a first in history, film and cinema and is now signed up for a Humanities MA at Exeter University next year.

He said: "I'm pleased I got a first because you put a lot of effort into these things and when you get a first it suddenly all seems worthwhile."

Ros Redfern from West-bury, David Williams from Trowbridge and Sophie Hawke from Bradford on Avon also collected degrees.

Open University vice chancellor Professor Brenda Gourley said: "Each year we witness how education enriches the lives of thousands of our students."