TWO mums who went back to their books to study for university degrees have both secured first class honours. Mature student Stella Harrison, of Coachman s Lane, Baldock, studied primary education for three years at the University of Hertfordshire. She sai

TWO mums who went back to their books to study for university degrees have both secured first class honours.

Mature student Stella Harrison, of Coachman's Lane, Baldock, studied primary education for three years at the University of Hertfordshire.

She said: "Being a mature student, I have spent many years regretting not going to university when I was younger. It was therefore an enormous achievement for me to get a degree, let alone a first."

Mrs Harrison, 39, is now teaching at St Mary's Infants School in Baldock and hopes to complete a Masters degree and become a head of a primary school one day.

Sophie Meredith, of Letchmore Road, Steve-nage, achieved her first class honours degree in applied arts at the University of Hertford-shire, after studying part-time for seven years.

The 31-year-old now works as a self-employed jeweller, exhibiting her work across England, and hopes to become a recognised independent jeweller in the future.

She enjoys exploring mixed materials, has developed a wide range of skills and, while studying for her degree, was declared student of the year.

She said: "I put years of hard work into my study and have been at the university for seven years while raising three young children."

Both students will be awarded their degree certificates during the graduation ceremonies at St Albans Abbey this month.