VETERAN student Jean Hay has decided to call it a day after studying at Darlington College of Technology for the past 13 years.

The 64-year-old is putting her studies on hold to help hearing impaired people and patients at St Teresa's Hospice.

A thyroid ailment, myxoedemia, and scarlet fever spoilt her chances of succeeding at school and Mrs Hay, from Darlington, spent her working life in a bakery, boarding house, factory and nursing homes.

She retired because of ill health in 1988 and enrolled at the college, spending the next 13 years studying subjects ranging from literacy and numeracy to food hygiene, communications, cookery and word processing.

"I have really enjoyed college," she said. "It's certainly been the best educational establishment I have ever been to. You get help and understanding and I have achieved more here than anywhere else.

"It shows that no matter what standard you are, you should never give up and no matter how old you are, you should try and achieve your goals."

College principal Sarah Farley said: "Jean is a shining example of how learning can broaden your horizons, give you confidence and really enrich your life."