FYLDE Mayor Pat Fieldhouse has gone from mace to mortarboard with a degree from the Open University.

Miss Fieldhouse picked up a BSc honours degree in social sciences with politics last month, 45 years after leaving school with five 'O' Levels.

And the energetic first lady of the Fylde admits she was no academic achiever during her youth.

"I could have worked harder but I just mucked around," she said.

Pat, 61, was one of 500 graduates who received their certificates from former House of Commons speaker Betty Boothroyd at the Harrogate International Centre.

And care home proprietor Pat, who has a qualification to teach adults with learning disabilities, says she is thrilled to get her degree.

"I am disabled and have been in and out of hospital over the past few years," she said. "I made the most of periods of hospitalisation following surgery and used them to study."

Pat, who lives in Bromley Road, St Annes, says she enjoyed the experience, although one of the most difficult times was at the start of her Mayoral year when both civic duties and preparation for final exams had to be accommodated.

"The support of friends and family is vital. My sister Katie was a great help," she added.

Ten thousand people who traditionally could not access university education will graduate from the Open University this year.

Details about OU study are available by calling (01908) 653231.