MATURE student Julie Goddard has won a prestigious award for her learning excellence.

Ms Goddard, a single mother from York, has been awarded the National Adult Learners Award for North Yorkshire and Humberside region, as part of the Adult Learners Week.

She went to the College of York St John after taking a two-year Access in the Community course and had previously been a stay-at-home mother for her two daughters.

She is now studying towards a BA Hons Community Studies degree course at York St John College and was nominated for the award by Linda Pritchard, college lifelong learning manager, because of her positive attitude.

"Julie has adapted to student life wholeheartedly," said Ms Pritchard. "She is a fantastic role model for anyone considering higher education and thoroughly deserves an award."

Julie was one of 138 originally nominated.