A NORTH-East vicar is among hundreds of scholars from the region who have graduated from the Open University.

The Reverend John Masshedar, vicar of Shotton, County Durham, swapped his prayer books for study books when he enrolled on a social science degree.

Mr Masshedar, 51, who oversees three parishes in the area, was supported by the Church authorities in his studies.

He is among several students from the North-East who will graduate on May 11 at a ceremony in Newcastle City Hall.

Graduates from Cumbria, Durham, Teesside, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland are expected to attend.

Mr Masshedar said: "I had not done any formal academic study for more than 25 years and felt the need for some mental stimulation.

"It was hard work doing the degree with the job as well, but it was worth doing. My parishoners have been very supportive."

Other graduates include Simon Barker, 29, an information technology developer from Spennymoor, County Durham, who battled against family tragedies to gain a Bachelor of Science degree.

While studying, Mr Barker coped with the death of his grandfather, had periods of unemployment, his wife was made redundant and his parents split up.

He said: "Despite my setbacks, I still managed not only to reach the end of six years of study, but also came out with a respectable grade."

Quality control inspector John Beadle, 44, of Darlington, earned a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in technology, despite working abroad on a ship.

Mr Beadle studied while travelling in Burma, China, Holland, Norway and Mexico.

"Studying at sea can be difficult," he said. "It is shared cabins so sometimes it is hard to find your own space."

The Open University has given photographer Jimmy Forsyth, of Elswick, Newcastle, a honorary award.

The 88-year-old, author of the best-selling book Scotswood Road, was chosen after achieving success recording historical changes in his community.