AN AMERICAN student who has just gained a PhD in Bolton has said thank you to hundreds of Boltonians who helped her with her studies.

Barbara Deguzis has just returned to Conneticut in the USA after staying for five years in Bolton to complete her doctorate in Gerontology - the study of ageing.

And she says it wouldn't have been possible without the help of more than 300 Bolton pensioners who attended special health education classes at Bolton Institute.

"I passed my final exam last week and I would I really don't think it would have been possible without the help from the people of Bolton. Everyone clubbed together to help me out and I am very grateful."

Barbara returned home last week before leaving for Belarus where she intends to teach for a year. She hopes to be able to visit Bolton again.

"I won't settle here," she said. "But I will definitely be back to see the many friends I have made. The people of Bolton are so heart-warming and made me feel so welcome and I certainly couldn't have done it without them."

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