A BUSY mother is successfully juggling the demands of a family, career and education.

Vicki McMahon manages to look after two teenage sons and a greengrocer husband who works all hours, while she runs three sandwich bars.

But that has not stopped her getting halfway through an English studies honours degree at the University of Teesside.

The 39-year-old, from Swainby, North Yorkshire, admits it is not easy to juggle all the conflicting demands on her time.

She said: "Studying part-time has made it possible for me to work for the qualification I have always wanted.

"I love books and English, and now regret dropping out of school when I was 17 and in the middle of my A-levels. But back then, I wanted to start earning money and got a job with Middlesbrough Council.

"Now, 20 years later, I have finally got to university to do the degree I really want to study."

She added: "Yes, there are times when you are halfway through an essay and think 'I should really be cooking the family a big meal'.

"But the boys and my husband have been great. I think they are all very proud of me."

She says among the advantages of being a mature student is that she can help her oldest son, Denis, with his essay work for his GCSEs.

Advice and information on all of the University of Teesside's part-time courses will be available on Tuesday, as part of an open day running from noon to 7pm.

The event takes place in the university's course information centre, in the reception of the main tower block, near the corner of Borough Road and Albert Road, Middlesbrough.