A GLAMOROUS grandmother had cause for a double celebration after the birth of her second grand-daughter two days before her graduation ceremony.

Shirley Gillard, aged 37, was thrilled to welcome baby Chelsea Louise into the world at the same time as becoming a Bachelor of Science after completing a degree in leisure and tourism at Bolton Institute. And the mother-of-three, who left Turton High School at the age of 16, said completing the course was the best thing she had ever done.

Shirley, from Harwood, worked as a machinist for 13 years, but was determined to turn her life around. She completed an access course at Bolton Community College before enrolling in the three-year degree course.

She now hopes to become a lecturer in leisure studies and will be starting a teaching course at the Institute in September.

Shirley's children, 21-year-old Ryan, Charlene, aged 18, and 12-year-old Melissa, are all proud of their mother's achievement.

Ryan was unable to attend the ceremony due to the arrival of daughter Chelsea Louise, who weighed in at 9lb 6oz.

However, Shirley's parents, her partner Lee O'Brien and daughter Charlene, who has a baby called Casey Ann, were all there to support her.

Shirley said: "It took a lot of dedication, but I really enjoyed the work.

"I never thought I would be able to do a degree so I'm over the moon. My parents are very proud of me as well.

"I knew I didn't want to be a machinist for the rest of my life.

"I just wish more mature people would have the confidence to do a degree."