A DINNER lady awarded a mature student honour admitted today she was "hooked on education".

Sandra Wadley, who has dished up at Hob Moor Primary, York, for 25 years, left school at 14 without qualifications.

But now the 59-year-old ss among a group of part-time students who made local education history by gaining University of York Certificates in Continuing Education.

Successful humanities students Freda Brind, of Bishopthorpe, Elaine Horne, of York, Ann Hudson, from Woodthorpe, Terry Kay from Acomb and Susanna Venables, from Tadcaster, were also honoured.

The dedicated six each put in more than 600 hours' study devouring topics like Tudor history and gothic novels over the two-year course - equivalent of half a university year.

Mrs Wadley, who failed her 11-plus but recently picked up a national adult learning award, admitted: "I've left things a bit late, but now I'm hooked on education.

"I didn't want to sit and vegetate in front of the TV so I started the course. I just wish I'd done it a bit earlier.

"I still can't believe I've got this certificate. It's given me a new interest in life."

She started night classes in 1997 and quickly developed a taste for medieval and early modern history.

"I loved history at school," said the mother-of-one.

"Now I'm getting the hang of writing essays but I love reading, especially in bed at night.

"I'm taking my certificate to show the pupils. They've been really supportive." She now hopes to carry on and gain enough credits for a full degree.

Fellow history-lover Ann Hudson, 47, has similar plans.

She works part-time in a York shop, but had to find spare study time between caring for her disabled son.

The mother-of-four, from Woodthorpe, said: "I've managed to fit the work in quite easily thanks to my daughter making lots of cups of coffee!

"Luckily the course is very flexible and the tutors have been wonderful."

Course administrator Iain Barr said he was "proud" of the first intake, with 80 now enrolled.

"They've made a real leap and their hard work was rewarded," he said. "It's a great example of lifelong learning in action."

For information about further learning, phone 01904 434620.

Updated: 08:56 Wednesday, December 03, 2003