CHAMPAGNE corks are popping after mature students in west Wiltshire were awarded degrees from the Open University.

The OU is a giant organisation with 171,549 undergraduate students and 22,660 postgraduate students on its books.

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

Michael Hodgson, 71, from Bradford on Avon, will be at a graduation ceremony in Cheltenham next month to be awarded with a first class degree in history, film and cinema.

Mr Hodgson joined the OU when he retired and is signed up for an MA in Humanities at Exeter University next year.

He said: "It's taken me 10 years but I have taken some time off during that and done lots of half courses in different subjects. I did French for two years which took me to study in the university in Caen.

"I'm also 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."

Julia Taylor, 63, from Westbury has graduated with a BA in classical literature.

She said: "I joined the OU in 1994 because a friend of mine at church 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 am hoping to go on now and do a training course as a reader for the church.

"This will involve three years of theology and will be very tough.

"I would definitely study with the OU again, I thought it was a wonderful experience."

Other graduates this year are Ros Redfern from Westbury, David Williams from Trowbridge and Sophie Hawke from Bradford on Avon.