CONGRATULATIONS are in order this week as students from the University of Central Lancashire in Preston celebrate the end of their studies.

Nearly 4,000 students will step onto the stage inside the town's Guild Hall to receive their hard earned graduation awards during prestigious ceremonies which will come to a close tomorrow (July 14).

One of the town's high achievers is single mum-of-two, Jackie Wheeler, from Ribbleton, Preston, (pictured) who picked up her certificate on Monday.

Despite being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis just two weeks before embarking on her course, Jackie, 38, graduated with a 2:1 degree in Environmental Management and Geography.

Now she hopes to take up a part-time job with the Environment Agency. She said: "I'm very pleased. Even though I spent a couple of occasions in hospital which slowed my work down the lecturers were very understanding."

Angela Murphy from Farington Moss, in Leyland, is another lone parent on the road to success after scooping a First Class degree in Social Policy and History after completing her five year course on a part-time basis.

She said: "I would definitely recommend it. It is such a positive experience and it really gives you extra confidence."

And trumpeting her way to the ceremony was Justine Flynn, 33, from Ulnes Walton, near Leyland, who graduated with a 2:1degree in Creative Music in the Arts and Performance Technology.

While mature student Cheryl O'Shea, 31, from Fulwood, in Preston, scooped a First Class degree in Environmental Science.