The 73-year-old mum-of-three and grandmother-of-seven has gained an honours degree in human organisation from Northumbria University.

And the South Shields-born former telecommunications manager is now encouraging older folk to take the plunge.

Mrs Day, who also spends her time working as a volunteer, said: "If anyone is thinking of doing a degree, I say 'why not, give it a try'.

"What prohibition is an age? Why let age deter you, there's too much focus on someone's age. If you're able to do it and want to do it, do it.

"I left school without a qualification at 15 and two years later my dad died. I was the breadwinner in the house.

"When I was 37 I got a job at British Telecom and worked my way up to manager taking my first ever exams.

"I'd love to think that I had given someone the incentive to keep on moving and go back to education."

Mrs Day, who now lives in Gosforth, decided to head back to the classroom for something to do but after gaining three distinctions in her higher education foundation course she was encourage to give university a go.

And she's never looked back.

She added: "The other students on my course were a lot younger than me but they were very kind and pleasant.

"I never suffered any problems and when I took time off because my sister – who has since died – took ill and I had to go and visit my son, they were very understanding.

"I pulled it together though and managed to pass my degree with a 2:2."
But Mrs Day has hung up her cap and gown – for now.

She added: "I think this is the end of my education – unless something else takes my fancy.

"I like to keep busy so I'd definitely like some more voluntary work if anyone is interested."